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M5 Control Head

User's Guide

ASTRO®

XTL™ 2500

Digital Mobile Radio

M5 Control Head

INDICATORS

HOME

MODE

KNOB

VOLUME

KNOB

DIM

BUTTON

SOFT MENU

KEYS

NAVIGATION

KEYS

POWER

ON/OFF

EMERGENCY

Emer

XTL 2500

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 0

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head i

This declaration is applicable to your radio only if your radio is labeled

with the FCC logo shown below.

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

Per FCC CFR 47 Part 2 Section 2.1077(a)

Responsible Party

Name: Motorola, Inc.

Address: 1301 East Algonquin Road.

Schaumburg, IL 60196-1078, USA

Phone Number: 1-800-927-2744

Hereby declares that the product:

Model Name: XTL 2500

conforms to the following regulations:

FCC Part 15, subpart B, section 15.107(a), 15.107(d) and section 15.109(a)

Class B Digital Device

As a personal computer peripheral, this device complies with Part 15 of the FCC

Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. this device may not cause harmful interference, and

2. this device must accept any interference received, including interference that

may cause undesired operation.

Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a

Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are

designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a

residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio

frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the

instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.

However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular

installation.

If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception,

which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is

encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following

measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which

the receiver is connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Product Safety and RF Exposure Compliance

ATTENTION!

This radio is restricted to occupational use only to satisfy FCC RF energy

exposure requirements. Before using this product, read the RF energy

awareness information and operating instructions in the Product Safety and RF

Exposure booklet enclosed with your radio (Motorola Publication part number

6881095C99) to ensure compliance with RF energy exposure limits.

Computer Software Copyrights

The Motorola products described in this manual may include copyrighted Motorola

computer programs stored in semiconductor memories or other media. Laws in the

United States and other countries preserve for Motorola certain exclusive rights for

copyrighted computer programs, including, but not limited to, the exclusive right to copy

or reproduce in any form the copyrighted computer program. Accordingly, any

copyrighted Motorola computer programs contained in the Motorola products described

in this manual may not be copied, reproduced, modified, reverse-engineered, or

distributed in any manner without the express written permission of Motorola.

Furthermore, the purchase of Motorola products shall not be deemed to grant either

directly or by implication, estoppel, or otherwise, any license under the copyrights,

patents or patent applications of Motorola, except for the normal non-exclusive license

to use that arises by operation of law in the sale of a product.

Documentation Copyrights

No duplication or distribution of this document or any portion thereof shall take place

without the express written permission of Motorola. No part of this manual may be

reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or

mechanical, for any purpose without the express written permission of Motorola.

Disclaimer

The information in this document is carefully examined, and is believed to be entirely

reliable. However, no responsibility is assumed for inaccuracies. Furthermore,

Motorola reserves the right to make changes to any products herein to improve

readability, function, or design. Motorola does not assume any liability arising out of the

applications or use of any product or circuit described herein; nor does it cover any

license under its patent rights, nor the rights of others.

MOTOROLA, the Stylized M Logo, ASTRO, SmartZone and FLASHport are registered

in the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office. All other product or service names are the

property of their respective owners. P25 radios contain technology patented by Digital

Voice Systems, Inc.

Before using this product, read the operating instructions for safe

usage contained in the Product Safety and RF Exposure booklet

enclosed with your radio.

a u t i o

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head iii

Notations Used in This Manual

You will notice the use of WARNING, CAUTION, and Note notations

throughout this manual. These notations are used to emphasize that safety

hazards exist, and care that must be taken or observed.

The following special notations identify certain items:

WARNING: An operational procedure, practice, or other

condition, which might result in injury or death if not carefully

observed.

CAUTION: An operational procedure, practice, or other

condition, which might result in damage to the equipment if not

carefully observed.

Note: Note: An operational procedure, practice, or other condition,

which is essential to emphasize.

Example Description

Light button or >Buttons and keys are shown in bold print or as a key

symbol.

PHONE Menu items (softkeys) are similar to the way they

appear on the radio’s display.

WARNING

CAUTION

Notes

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head v

Contents

M5 Control Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i

Declaration of Conformity ................................................................... i

Computer Software Copyrights ......................................................... ii

Documentation Copyrights ................................................................ ii

Disclaimer ......................................................................................... ii

Notations Used in This Manual .........................................................iii

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Using Your Radio: The Basics .......................................................... 1

Getting Started .................................................................................. 2

Identifying Your Radio ....................................................................... 4

M5 Control Head ........................................................................ 4

Operating Your Control Head ............................................................ 5

Turning On the Radio ........................................................................ 5

Setting the Volume ..................................................................... 6

Adjusting the Display Brightness ................................................ 6

Using the navigation keys ........................................................... 6

Keypad Microphone Option ........................................................ 7

Trunked Modes or Conventional Channels ................................ 8

Field Programming ..................................................................... 8

Display Status ................................................................................... 8

Feature Control ................................................................................. 9

Menu ........................................................................................... 9

Programmable Buttons ............................................................... 9

One Touch Button ...................................................................... 9

Alert Tones ...................................................................................... 10

Multiple Control Head Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Overview ......................................................................................... 13

All Active Mode ......................................................................... 14

One Active Mode ...................................................................... 15

Intercom feature .............................................................................. 17

Using the Intercom feature ....................................................... 17

Basic Operating Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Basic Functions ............................................................................... 21

Selecting the Zone or Mode ............................................................ 22

Selecting or Changing the Zone ............................................... 22

Selecting or Changing a Mode in the Current Zone ................. 23

Selecting or Changing to a Mode Not in the Current Zone ....... 24

Mode Select Button ...................................................................25

Selecting the Home Mode ...............................................................26

Transmitting (Conventional Modes Only) ........................................26

Transmitting (Trunked Modes Only) ................................................27

Selecting the Transmit Power Level ................................................27

Monitoring Conventional Mode Activity ...........................................28

Adjusting the Squelch Level ............................................................29

General Radio Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Often-Used Features .......................................................................30

Emergency Call and Alarm ..............................................................31

Emergency Call .........................................................................31

Initiating an Emergency Alarm ..................................................32

Initiating an Emergency Call .....................................................32

Initiating an Emergency Call and Alarm ....................................33

Initiating a Silent Emergency Alarm ..........................................34

Special Considerations for Emergencies ..................................34

Scan Operation ................................................................................35

Turning On Scan .......................................................................36

Turning Scan On While Disregarding the Squelch Code

(Conventional Modes Only) ...................................................37

Viewing a Scan List ...................................................................38

Transmitting While Scan Is On .................................................39

Temporarily Deleting a Nuisance Mode with Scan On ..............40

Restoring a Nuisance Mode ......................................................40

Changing Mode Priorities While Scan Is On .............................41

Restoring Mode Priorities in a Scan List ...................................41

Programming a Scan List ..........................................................42

Hang Up Box (HUB) ..................................................................44

Optional External Alarms (Horn and Lights) ....................................44

Activating the External Alarm(s) ................................................44

Changing the Selected Alarms .................................................45

Receiving a Call While Alarms Are Turned On .........................46

Time-Out Timer ................................................................................47

Push-To-Talk Identification (PTT-ID) ................................................47

Telephone Interconnect List (Conventional and Trunking) ..............48

Answering a Phone Call ............................................................48

Initiating a Telephone Call from the List ....................................49

Unlimited Telephone Interconnect ...................................................50

Calling a Phone Number Not in the List ....................................50

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head vii

Storing a Number in the List ..................................................... 51

Editing a Name in the List ........................................................ 52

Call Alert Page (Conventional and Trunking— Digital Modes Only) ...

Sending a Call Alert Page ........................................................ 55

Conventional Radio Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Features Used in Conventional Operation ...................................... 57

Status Calls (Digital Modes Only) .................................................... 58

Sending a Status Call ............................................................... 58

Sending a Direct-Entry Keyboard (DEK) Status ....................... 60

Smart PTT ....................................................................................... 61

Conventional Talkgroup Calls ......................................................... 61

Digital Modes Only ................................................................... 61

Selecting a Conventional Talkgroup ......................................... 62

Conventional Talkaround ................................................................ 63

Talk Direct (Mobile-To-Mobile) ................................................. 63

Selective Calls (Digital Modes Only) ............................................... 63

Answering a Selective Call ....................................................... 64

Initiating a Selective Call .......................................................... 65

Viewing Your Unit ID Number ................................................... 67

Storing a Unit ID Number in the List ......................................... 68

Editing a Name in the List ......................................................... 69

Trunking Operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Features Used on Trunking Systems .............................................. 71

Enhanced Private Conversation (Digital Modes Only) .................... 72

Answering an Enhanced Private Conversation Call ................. 72

Initiating an Enhanced Private Conversation Call .................... 73

Failsoft ............................................................................................. 75

Dynamic Regrouping (Digital Modes Only) ..................................... 76

Receiving a Dynamic Regrouping ID Assignment ................... 76

Selecting Enable and Disable (Digital Modes Only) ................. 77

Requesting a Dynamic Regrouping

(Digital Modes Only) .............................................................. 77

SmartZone ...................................................................................... 78

Site-Button Operation ............................................................... 78

Locking onto a Site ................................................................... 79

Site Trunking ............................................................................ 79

Out-of-Range Indication .................................................................. 80

viii

Trunked Announcement ..................................................................81

Initiating an Announcement ......................................................81

ARS User Login and Text Messaging Features. . . . 83

Automatic Registration Service (ARS) .............................................83

Selecting or Changing ARS Mode ............................................83

ARS User Login Feature .................................................................85

Accessing the User Login Feature ............................................85

To Login as a User ....................................................................86

Selecting a Predefined Username ............................................91

Text Messaging ................................................................................92

Accessing TMS Feature ............................................................92

Receive a Message ..................................................................97

To View Message from the Inbox. ............................................97

Compose a New Text Message ................................................98

Send a Predefined Message ...................................................102

Edit a Quick Text Message .....................................................103

Reply to a Received Message ................................................104

Delete a Message ...................................................................105

To Access the Draft Folder .....................................................106

To Access the Sent Folder ......................................................107

Secure Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

Features Available on Secure XTL 2500 .......................................109

Receiving a Private Message ........................................................110

Transmitting a Private Message ....................................................110

System Considerations .................................................................. 111

Loss Indication ............................................................................... 111

Selecting an Encryption Key (Conventional Only) .........................112

Selecting an Encryption Index (Conventional Only) ......................114

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

Accessories. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117

Antennas .......................................................................................117

Bull Horns for Siren and Public Address .......................................119

Cables ...........................................................................................119

Microphones ..................................................................................120

Miscellaneous ................................................................................120

Remote Mounting Kits ...................................................................121

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head ix

Speakers ....................................................................................... 121

Trunnion Kits ................................................................................. 121

Appendix: Maritime Radio Use in the VHF Frequency

Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122

Special Channel Assignments ....................................................... 122

Emergency Channel ............................................................... 122

Non-Commercial Call Channel ............................................... 123

Operating Frequency Requirements ............................................. 123

Glossary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127

Commercial Warranty and Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131

Limited Warranty ........................................................................... 131

Service .......................................................................................... 135

Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137

Notes

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 1

Introduction

Using Your Radio: The Basics

This chapter gives you the basic knowledge you need in order to use

your radio. The following topics are covered:

• Getting Started (page 2)

• Identifying Your Radio (page 4)

• Operating Your Control Head (page 5)

• Turning On the Radio (page 5)

• Setting the Volume (page 6)

• Adjusting the Display Brightness (page 6)

• Keypad Microphone Option (page 6)

• Display Status (page 8)

• Feature Control (page 9)

• Alert Tones (page 8)

Introduction

Getting Started

The ASTRO® XTL™ 2500 Digital Mobile Radio is among the most

sophisticated two-way radios available. It can operate in the following

frequency ranges:

These channels provide maximum communications capability under

varying operating conditions.

One of the newest in a long line of quality Motorola products, the

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio provides improved voice

quality across more of your coverage area. The digital process called

embedded signaling intermixes system signaling information with

digital voice, resulting in improved system reliability and the capability

of supporting a multitude of advanced features. Such features add up

to better, more cost-effective two-way radio communications.

ASTRO digital technology is also helping to provide the solution to

improved spectral efficiency requiring only half as much bandwidth

per channel (12.5kHz) compared to analog technology (25/30kHz).

The net benefit to you is fewer users per channel or more users per

system.

The ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile radio can include an optional

RS-232 data port to interface with external devices, such as certain

fax machines and laptop computers. ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile

voice radios and data terminals can access the same channel without

interfering with each other.

VHF UHF 700/800 MHz 900 MHz

136-174 MHz 380-470 MHz 762-776 MHz 896-901 MHz

450-520 MHz 794-806 MHz 935-940 MHz

806-825 MHz

851-870 MHz

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 3

Introduction

Note: In this manual—

Analog mode refers to a mode that uses traditional, non-ASTRO-

digital signaling.

ASTRO mode refers to a mode that uses ASTRO digital signaling.

Your ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio utilizes Motorola’s

revolutionary FLASHport™ technology. This allows your radio’s

capabilities to be flexible, because FLASHport makes it possible to

add software that drives these capabilities both at the time of

purchase and later on. Similar to how a computer can be loaded with

different software, your radio’s features and capabilities can be

upgraded with software.

FLASHport allows you to add software to your radio as your needs

change and as technology advances, making your radio investment

go further.

FLASHport is the future of radio communications, and it’s yet another

example of Motorola’s commitment to your satisfaction.

ALL XTL 2500 radios except for the 900 MHz band are capable of

both analog operation (12.5 kHz, 20 kHz and 25 kHz bandwidths) and

ASTRO mode digital operation (12.5 kHz bandwidth). 900 MHz band

radios are only capable of analog operation (12.5 kHz).

XTL 2500 900 MHz does not support Multi Control Head, Data and

Secure features.

Introduction

Identifying Your Radio

The ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio has two major

components: the radio unit installed in your vehicle and the control

head that is used to activate various radio features. Keep the foldout

page opened for reference as you read this manual. Your radio has

the following control head:

M5 Control Head

The M5 has the rotary Mode and Volume knobs, 5 programmable

menu buttons, a menu navigation button, and a 3-line, 14-character,

fully bitmapped display (See “M5 Control Head” on page i.).

Note: A "CH MISMATCH" error upon turning on your radio, means

that either the Control Head has been connected to a legacy

transceiver, or vice versa.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 5

Introduction

Operating Your Control Head

Your advanced control head is designed for ease of use and flexibility

of feature control. Before operating the radio, familiarize yourself with

the various controls, indicators, and alert tones. Refer to the foldout

diagrams in the front and back of this manual for your particular

control head.

Turning On the Radio

Basic operation is the same for all radio control heads.

Do the following:

• Turn the radio on with a short press of the power button in

the lower left corner of the control unit.

After a short time, the red, green and yellow LED’s light up,

indicating that the radio is powering up.

The display then shows XTL 2500.

When the radio is fully powered on, the Zone and Channel text and

menu items is displayed. The backlight will turn on to the last

selected color and dim level.

Note: Pressing the power button before the LED’s light up will be

ignored.

Pressing the power button anytime after the LED’s light up

will TURN OFF the radio.

Note: If FAIL ##/## appears in the display, the radio will not

function until the condition has been corrected.

If ERROR ##/## appears, some non-critical data has been

changed. If either of these displays appear, if the display

goes blank, or if the unit appears to be locked up, refer to the

“Troubleshooting” section.

Introduction

Setting the Volume

Adjusting the Display Brightness

Using the navigation keys

Rotate the Volume knob clockwise to increase the volume and

counterclockwise to decrease the volume.

Press the dimmer button (DIM) to change the display brightness

to one of four levels:

• Off to high

• High to medium

• Medium to low

•Low to off

In Off, both the display and backlight are off (used for

surveillance operations).

When accessing a feature on the radio, use the left or right

toggles on the navigation key to access further options within

the menu.

If you cannot locate a menu item, it may not be programmed, or

it may not apply to the radio's current mode setting.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 7

Introduction

Keypad Microphone Option

If your radio is equipped with a keypad microphone, you can

perform the same navigation functions from that keypad that are

available on the Control Head. The keypad also enables you to

use certain capabilities within features such as telephone

interconnect and Selective Call. These capabiliites are

described in detail within the appropriate sections of this

manual.

Note: The checkmark and X buttons on the keypad microphone

are for future use and not currently used by the radio.

Introduction

Trunked Modes or Conventional Channels

Depending on how your radio is programmed, you can select

conventional channels or trunked talkgroup. Conventional channels

consist of a transmit and receive frequency pair, an associated

squelch code pair, and a time-out timer value. See “Conventional

Radio Features” on page 57.

Trunked modes consist of the system/announcement group/talkgroup

combination and a time-out timer value. See “Trunking Operation” on

page 71.

Field Programming

Other radio features may be slaved to the selected mode by field

programming. This mode slaving means that the radio is

preprogrammed to automatically give you the proper operation for

each mode you select.

You may use the control head to program your own mode names.

The names you assign are clearly shown in the alphanumeric display.

You can see all the key operating information, including the mode

selected or being scanned, and the on/off status of various features.

The operating conditions are shown either by the display or by visual/

audio indicators, or by both.

Display Status

The control head display indicates your selected mode, or the

currently active receive mode when scan is on.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 9

Introduction

Feature Control

You can turn the various radio features on or off, change modes, and

adjust the volume.

To exit a feature, such as phone, press the HOME button.

You can access the features supported by your radio through the

Menu. To select a feature, press the soft menu key buttons below the

relevant softkeys displayed.

Programmable Buttons

Each of the five Soft Menu Key buttons and the Emergency button

are programmable buttons which can be preprogrammed by a

qualified radio technician to a default function which is activated upon

a short press.

Figure 1: Programmable Buttons on the Keypad Microphone

One Touch Button

Each of the five soft menu key buttons and the emergency button are

programmable buttons which can be preprogrammed by a qualified

radio technician to support the One Touch feature. Short press the

preprogrammed One Touch button to access the One Touch Menu.

Call, Page, Phone, Status and Message are commonly used features

that can be assigned to this button.

Accy no dot button

Accy 1-dot button

Accy 2-dot button

SOFT MENU

KEYS

Emer

EMERGENCY

Emergenc

Emer

Soft Menu Keys

Introduction

Note: Sig 1-3 & Disp can be programmed as Soft Menu Keys to

launch the One Touch features.

Alert Tones

Tone Type Name Description

Two high-

pitched tones

Private

Conversation™

Indicate that a private call has been

received.

Four high-

pitched tones

every five

seconds

Call Alert Indicate that a Call Alert page has been

received.

Single, high-

pitched tone

Central

Acknowledge

Indicates that a Call Alert, emergency

alarm, reprogram request, or status/

message transmission has been

received by the system’s central

controller.

Four high-

pitched tones

Mobile Unit

Acknowledge

Indicate that a Call Alert page has been

received by the intended unit, or the

emergency alarm, reprogram request, or

status/message transmission has been

acknowledged by the intended

dispatcher.

Sound similar

to a telephone

busy signal

System Busy Indicates, when you press the

microphone push-to-talk (PTT) button,

that you cannot transmit because all

system radio channels are in use.

Release the PTT button and wait for call

back.

A series of

two short,

high-pitched

tones

Automatic Call

Back

Indicate that a channel is now available

for your previously requested

transmission.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 11

Introduction

A series of

two short,

high-pitched

tones (same

as automatic

call back)

Talk Permit

(optional)

Indicate, when you press the

microphone PTT button, that the system

is accepting your transmission.

A series of

low-pitched

tones

followed by a

series of high-

pitched tones

Scan Alert On Indicates that Scan feature is activated

through the pre- programmed button.

A series of

high-pitched

tones

followed by a

series of low-

pitched tones

Scan Alert Off Indicates that Scan feature is

deactivated through the pre-

programmed button.

Continuous,

low-pitched

tone

Talk-Prohibit/

Out-of-Range

Indicates, when you press the

microphone PTT button, that either you

are out of the range of the trunked radio

system, or the system is out of service,

or the channel is busy with the Smart

PTT feature enabled.

Single, high-

pitched tone

every nine

seconds

Failsoft In an unmuted receive condition,

indicates a trunked system central

controller failure. The radio reverts from

trunked operation to a system similar to

conventional radio repeater operation.

Other system users can be heard

sharing the channel.

Tone Type Name Description

Introduction

Continuous,

low-pitched

tone

Illegal Mode Indicates that you have entered a mode

where normal system traffic will be

missed, or you are attempting something

which is not permitted. Examples

include: forgetting to exit the telephone

interconnect mode after a call ends (fleet

and subfleet calls cannot be received),

attempting to transmit on a receive-only

conventional mode, attempting to select

a dynamic mode where no dynamic ID

assignment has been made.

Brief low-

pitched tone

Time-Out Timer

Warning

Indicates that your present transmission

will soon be disabled.

Single, short,

high-pitched

tone

Valid Key Indicates that you pressed a valid key, or

you entered a feature configuration

state, or you are receiving or

transmitting in the clear mode on secure

models (with TX Clear Alert Tones

enabled).

Single, low-

pitched tone

Invalid Key Indicates that you tried to make an

invalid key press, or that an emergency

alarm, reprogram request, or status/

message was not acknowledged.

Unique

chirping

sound

Dynamic

Reprogramming

Indicates that a dynamic ID is assigned.

Unique, low-

pitched

chirping

sound

New Message Indicates the arrival of a new message.

Unique, high-

pitched

chirping

sound

Priority

message

Indicates the arrival of a priority

message.

Tone Type Name Description

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 13

Multiple Control Head Features

Overview

The XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio supports radio configurations of

up to two M5 control heads. You may use the CAN cable to connect

the multiple control heads in any permutation. For example: Daisy

chain control head to another control head or attaching two control

heads to a transceiver. The control heads in a multiple control head

configuration may mix and match different types of microphones

(e.g., palm microphone and keypad microphone).

The Multiple Control Head feature for the XTL 2500 radio consists of

2 modes:

• All Active mode

• One Active mode

Note: The default Multiple Control Head mode can be changed

by a qualified radio technician using the radio’s

programming software.

XTL 2500 900 MHz does not support Multi Control Head

features.

If you try to plug-in the handset after

the radio has been turned on, the

radio may fail to detect the

connection.

CAUTION

Multiple Control Head Features

All Active Mode

The All Active mode enables all connected control heads of the radio

to operate concurrently with each other. When a user activates a

feature on one control head, the rest of the control heads will have the

same activated feature and indicator on their respective display. User

can also deactivate a feature using any connected control head.

However, each control head supports independent dim settings,

volume setting, and backlight colors.

The multiple control head feature

allows only control heads of the

same type to be connected.

Upon power up, if a control head

of a different type is connected to

the radio, the radio reports the

fatal error CH MISMATCH on the

display of all attached control

heads.

In an All Active Multiple Control Head feature, upon power up, if

more than the expected number of control heads initially specified in

the programming software for this radio are present, the radio still

operate normally.

CH MISMATCH

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 15

Multiple Control Head Features

One Active Mode

The One Active mode enables only one control head to be visibly

active. All user inputs update the display of the active control head,

while only the icons will be updated on the non-active control head.

The non-active control head will be in idle state and the only available

user inputs are volume control, dim control, the emergency

footswitch, the programmable emergency button, the buttons that

selects the the active control head, and the VIP inputs. In the One

Active mode, the XTL 2500 control head supports Multiple Control

Head feature consisting of only two M5 control heads and one

transceiver.

When the radio is in One Active mode, upon power up, the non-

active control head displays REMOTE.

Transceiver

ZONE

CHAN

PWR SQL

Active Radio

ZONE

CHAN

PWR SQL

REMOTE

Non-Active Radio

Multiple Control Head Features

1To change the active control head, toggle the button

below F/R softkey.

To change the active control head through a preprogrammed

button, toggle the preprogrammed user button on the keypad

microphone.

Note: Radio buttons that are “preprogrammed” mean that a

qualified radio technician must use the radio’s

programming software to assign a feature to any

programmable button on the keypad microphone. See

“Programmable Buttons” on page 9.

In the One Active mode, upon power up, if more than two control

heads are present, the radio shows a a fatal error EXTRA CH on the

display of all attached control heads.

EXTRA CH

ZONE

CHAN

PWR SQL

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 17

Multiple Control Head Features

Intercom feature

The intercom feature allows a user at one control head to talk to the

user at the other control head of a Multiple Control Head

configuration. This feature only applies to control head in the All

Active mode.

Using the Intercom feature

1Press the button directly below ICOM to activate the

intercom feature.

Note: You can activate the

intercom feature on

any attached control

head.

Radio 1

ICOM CALL F/R

ZONE PAGE

Multiple Control Head Features

2Press the button directly below EXIT to deactivate the

intercom feature.

Press the HOME button on any control head to deactivate the

intercom feature.

Note: The intercom feature also deactivates when user initiates

a mode change. If the radio is on an emergency channel,

pressing of the EMERGENCY button or the emergency

footswitch button on any control head also deactivates

the intercom feature.

INTERCOM

EXIT

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 19

Multiple Control Head Features

3Press the PTT button on the keypad microphone that is attached

to one of the control head to initiate the audio transmission. All

control heads that are attached will receive the same audio

message of the control head who is making the intercom call.

4The display of the control head whose PTT button is not pressed

shows the alias/ID number of that control head whose PTT button

was first pressed.

Note: When more than 1 control head is connected, the control

head being operated at any given time has priority.

INTERCOM

EXIT

RADIO 1

EXIT

Radio 1

Transmitting

Receiving

(PTT is pressed)

Radio 2

Transceiver

Multiple Control Head Features

Notes

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 21

Basic Operating Procedures

Basic Functions

This chapter shows you how to access the radio’s basic functions and

includes the following topics:

• Selecting the Zone or Mode (page 22)

• Selecting the Home Mode (page 26)

• Transmitting (Conventional Modes Only) (page 26)

• Transmitting (Trunked Modes Only) (page 27)

• Selecting the Transmit Level (page 27)

• Monitoring Conventional Mode Activity (page 28)

• Adjusting the Squelch Level (page 29)

Basic Operating Procedures

Selecting the Zone or Mode

A zone is a grouping of modes. A mode is a group of characteristics

such as transmit/receive frequencies, Private-Line™ codes, radio

parameters, and an alphanumeric name.

Selecting or Changing the Zone

Use the Menu Entry ZONE

1Press thebutton to scroll to the ZONE softkey.

2Press the button below ZONE.

The display shows the current zone and mode.

3Press the or until the desired zone is displayed.

4Press the or PTT button to save the displayed

zone as the new home (default) zone.

The zone name stops flashing once it is saved.

5Press the PTT button to begin transmitting on the

displayed zone.

Use the Menu Entry ZNUP or ZNDN

1Press thebutton to scroll to the ZNUP or ZNDN softkey.

2Press and hold the button below ZNUP or ZNDN,

until the zone you want appears.

Note: Positions of the ZNUP or ZNDN softkey on the display may

differ each time you release the button .

3Press the PTT button to begin transmitting on the

displayed zone.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 23

Basic Operating Procedures

Selecting or Changing a Mode in the Current Zone

Use the Mode Knob

Rotate the Mode knob until the display shows the desired mode

name.

Use the Menu Entry CHAN

1Press and hold  to scroll to the CHAN softkey.

2Press the below CHAN.

The display shows the current zone and mode.

3Rotate the Mode Knob until the desired channel in the

current zone is displayed.

4Press the or PTT button to save the displayed

channel as the new home (default) channel.

The channel name stops flashing once it is saved.

5Press the PTT button to begin transmitting on the

displayed zone and mode.

Use the Menu Entry CHUP or CHDN

1Press and hold  to scroll to the CHUP or CHDN softkey.

2Press and hold the below CHUP or CHDN, until the

mode you want appears.

Note: Postions for the CHUP or CHDN softkeys on the display may

differ each time you release the button.

3Press the PTT button to begin transmitting on the

displayed zone and mode.

Basic Operating Procedures

Selecting or Changing to a Mode Not in the Current

Zone

1To access a mode that is not in the current zone, press the

Zone up  button or Zone down  button to move to the zone

containing the mode.

Note: The Zone up  and Zone down  buttons are optional

buttons included with the radio when zone/mode is ordered.

2Do one of the following:

• Select a desired zone (page 22).

• Select a desired mode in the current zone (page 23).

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 25

Basic Operating Procedures

Mode Select Button

This feature lets you program the current zone and channel to a

Mode Select button with a long press on the Mode Select button.

After the buttons are programmed, you can return to the

preprogrammed zone and channel with a short press on the

programmed Mode Select button.

The buttons on the keypad microphone that are assigned for this

feature are labeled in the following picture.

Note: Keypad numbers 1, 2 and 3 require the Preset Zone and

Channel Enable field in the CPS to be enabled. Please check

with a qualified radio technician to set them as Mode Select

buttons.

Note: The orange-colored Emergency Button on the control head

can also function as a Mode Select button.

Keypad Numbers

1,2,and 3

Programmable

Buttons

Basic Operating Procedures

Selecting the Home Mode

Transmitting (Conventional Modes Only)

This feature must first be enabled by a qualified radio

technician.

Press the HOME button to select the home mode contained

within the home zone, from any other zone and mode in the

radio.

1Lift the microphone off-hook, and listen for activity on that mode.

2If you hear no activity, press and hold the microphone PTT

button.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 27

Basic Operating Procedures

Transmitting (Trunked Modes Only)

Selecting the Transmit Power Level

The PWR softkey lets you select (toggle) the transmit power level.

1Lift the microphone off-hook, and press the microphone PTT

button.

2Do one of the following:

• If you hear three quick tones, or if you hear no tone and the

red XMIT (transmit) indicator lights steadily, then proceed

with your message.

Release the PTT button to receive.

• If you hear a continuous low-pitched tone, you are out of the

system's range.

The display area may indicate “OUT OF RANGE“ in the text

display area.

The red XMIT indicator may flash several times as the radio

tries to access the system.

Release the PTT button and try again when the vehicle is

driven within range of the system.

Press the PWR softkey.

The display momentarily shows POWER LOW or POWER HIGH to

indicate the transmit power level selected.

Basic Operating Procedures

Monitoring Conventional Mode Activity

This feature allows you to monitor channel traffic on conventional

channels by defeating the coded squelch. This feature must first be

enabled by a qualified radio technician or system administrator.

Do one of the following:

Take the microphone off hook.

(This is the same as monitor on. You hear all channel traffic.)

1Make sure you are in Home mode where the default zone and

mode are being displayed (page 26).

2Press the or button to scroll to the MON softkey.

3Pressing MON softkey momentarily toggles between MONITOR ON

and MONITOR OFF. MONITOR ON shown on the display indicates

that the radio is monitoring.

4Pressing MON softkey again turns monitor off and you don’t hear

all channel traffic.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 29

Basic Operating Procedures

Adjusting the Squelch Level

Your radio’s ability to transmit or receive signals varies as you move

away from or close to your base station. You can adjust your radio’s

squelch to improve its ability to receive transmissions.

Do the following:

1Press the or button to scroll to the MON softkey.

• Press and hold the button below MON.

The display shows SQUELCH XX, where XX is a squelch level

setting of 0 to 15.

2Press the button to return to the selected channel.

General Radio Features

Often-Used Features

This chapter shows you how to access the most frequently used

features. The following topics are covered:

• Emergency Call and Alarm (page 31)

• Scan Operation (page 35)

• Optional External Alarms (Horn and Lights) (page 44)

• Time-Out Timer (page 47)

• Push-To-Talk Identification (PTT-ID) (page 47)

• Telephone Interconnect List (Conventional and Trunking)

(page 48)

• Unlimited Telephone Interconnect (page 50)

• Call Alert Page (Conventional and Trunking—Digital Modes

Only) (page 55)

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 31

General Radio Features

Emergency Call and Alarm

The emergency call and alarm features allow you to have priority

channel access and/or send an emergency data transmission to the

dispatcher in an emergency situation.

The desired type of emergency feature—alarm, call, call and alarm,

or silent alarm—can be preprogrammed by a qualified radio

technician.

The radio must be turned on to activate any emergency feature.

Emergency Call

Emergency call gives you priority access to a voice channel for all

subsequent transmissions after you press the emergency button. The

level of priority access is determined by the system manager.

SmartZone Emergency Call Receive Operation

A radio configured for SmartZone® operation displays EMER

RECEIVED whenever it receives an emergency call. The display

alternates with the selected-mode display as long as the radio is

unmuted to the emergency call.

General Radio Features

Initiating an Emergency Alarm

The emergency alarm feature sends a data transmission to alert the

dispatcher of your emergency condition and identify your unit ID.

Initiating an Emergency Call

Press the emergency button.

A tone sounds and the display alternates EMERGENCY with the

current zone/channel.

For trunking modes, a high-pitched tone indicates that the

alarm has been received by the trunked system’s central

controller.

A dispatcher acknowledgment ACK RECEIVED display follows.

The radio automatically returns to normal operation. No further

action is required.

1Press the emergency button.

A tone sounds and the display alternates EMERGENCY with the

current zone/channel.

2Press the PTT button and announce your emergency.

3After completing the emergency call, press and hold the

emergency button until a tone sounds.

The alternating EMERGENCY display disappears, and the radio

returns to normal operation.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 33

General Radio Features

Initiating an Emergency Call and Alarm

If the radio has both emergency call and alarm features, it

automatically proceeds to the call mode after the alarm is

acknowledged.

1Press the emergency button to activate the emergency call/

alarm feature.

The display begins alternating EMERGENCY with the current

zone/channel.

For trunking modes, a high-pitched tone sounds, indicating

that the alarm has been received by the trunked system’s

central controller.

A dispatcher acknowledgment (four high-pitched tones) follows,

accompanied by an ACK RCVD display.

2Press the PTT button and announce your emergency.

3To exit from the emergency state altogether, press and hold the

emergency button until a tone sounds.

The alternating EMERGENCY display disappears, and the radio

returns to normal operation.

Note: Turning the radio off also cancels the emergency state.

General Radio Features

Initiating a Silent Emergency Alarm

Special Considerations for Emergencies

• If you press the emergency button while in a mode that has no

emergency capability, a low-pitched tone sounds.

• If the unit is out of the range of the system and/or the emergency

alarm is not acknowledged, a tone sounds and the display shows

NO ACKNOWLEDGE.

• If you press the emergency button, then change to a mode that

has no emergency capability, a NO EMERGENCY display alternates

with the mode name display, and a continuous low-pitched tone

sounds until a valid emergency mode is selected or until the

emergency is cancelled.

• When an emergency is active, changing to another mode where

emergency is enabled (trunked or conventional) causes an

emergency alarm and/or emergency call to be active on the new

mode.

1Press the emergency button to activate the silent alarm feature.

During a silent emergency alarm, there are no display changes,

and the receiver audio mutes so that no indication is given that

an emergency alarm has been sent.

2To exit the silent alarm mode, press and hold the emergency

button until a tone sounds.

Note: If silent emergency alarm is used with emergency call,

pressing the PTT button exits the silent mode and initiates

the emergency call.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 35

General Radio Features

Scan Operation

The scan feature allows you to monitor activity on different

conventional or trunked modes by scanning a scan list of modes. The

modes to be scanned in a scan list are programmed by a qualified

radio technician. You can select the modes to be scanned in a scan

list if operator-selectable scan is enabled.

There are three types of scan lists available:

• Conventional—Comprises up to 15 different conventional-only

modes

• Trunked Priority Monitor—Comprises up to 15 modes that are all

from the same trunked system

• Talkgroup Scan—Comprises up to 10 combined conventional

modes and modes from one trunking system

The radio supports both priority and non-priority scanning. With

priority scanning enabled, a scan list can have one mode assigned as

the first-priority mode and a second as the second-priority mode.

The XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio supports automatic scanning

(autoscan), which can be programmed into the radio by a qualified

radio technician. With this feature, the radio begins scanning

whenever you select a mode to which a scan list is assigned.

Note: You cannot turn scan off on a mode that has autoscan

enabled.

If multiple scan types are enabled in the radio, the type of scan that is

activated depends on the personality of the mode selected when the

SCAN softkey is pressed. For all types of scan, the selected mode is,

by default, a member of its own scan list.

Scan lists stay in memory when you turn scan off, turn the radio off, or

disconnect the radio from the battery.

General Radio Features

Turning On Scan

Do the following:

1Press the  button to scroll to the SCAN softkey.

2Press the button below SCAN.

The Scan indicator lights and a list of modes is scanned

for activity. The text display area will indicate SCAN ON

if scan is currently enabled or SCAN OFF if scan is just

been turned off.

When a scanned mode becomes active, the display

changes to show the active mode name, the appropriate

priority indicator lights, and the radio unmutes.

The radio will not begin scanning again for a

predetermined hang time after the call ends, giving you

time to respond. The hang time is typically three

seconds (by default), but can be changed by a qualified

radio technician.

Note: A lit N PRI (non-priority) indicator means that the active

mode is a non-priority member of the scan list (for all scan

types).

A solidly-lit PRI (priority) indicator means that the active

mode is the priority 2 member of the scan list (Trunking

Priority Monitor and Conventional scan types only).

A blinking PRI indicator means that the active mode is the

priority 1 member of the scan list (Trunking Priority Monitor

and Conventional scan types only).

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 37

General Radio Features

Turning Scan On While Disregarding the Squelch

Code

(Conventional Modes Only)

Do the following:

1Press the  button to scroll to the MON softkey.

2Press the button below MON.

3The brief MONITOR ON display indicates that the radio is

disregarding the squelch code.

Note: While scanning for activity, you can still receive fleetwide,

system-wide, dynamic regrouping, incoming telephone

interconnect and Private Conversation/Call Alert calls.

Respond to these types of calls as you would normally on

the selected mode. However, when scanning different

modes while in talkgroup scan, incoming Private

Conversation/Call Alert calls may be missed.

General Radio Features

Viewing a Scan List

1Press and hold the SCAN softkey until the Scan indicator blinks

and a beep is heard.

The radio suspends scanning while a scan list is being

reviewed.

2Press the  button to scroll to the VIEW softkey.

3Press the button below VIEW.

4Press the  button to scroll to the SCAN softkey.

5Press the button below SCAN. The radio suspends

scanning while a scan list is being reviewed.

6Press the  or button to scroll through the preprogrammed

scan list.

7Those modes that are in the scan list are indicated by N PRI,

PRI or blinking PRI indicator (indicating the mode’s assigned

priority as previously described).

8Press RCL softkey to review only modes that are already in the

scan list.

Press the HOME button momentarily to exit the scan list and

resume scanning.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 39

General Radio Features

Transmitting While Scan Is On

Radio Programmed for Talkback Scan

Radio Programmed for Non-Talkback Scan

Press the microphone PTT button to transmit on the mode

indicated by the display.

The radio does not begin scanning again for a predetermined

hang time (programmable by a qualified radio technician) after

you release the PTT button, allowing the other party to respond.

If the other party responds within the hang time, scanning does

not resume until the full hang time expires after they have

finished speaking, allowing the conversation to be completed.

Note: To transmit on the selected channel if another channel is

active, first turn scan off by pressing the SCAN softkey

momentarily.

In selected mode or fixed mode, press the microphone PTT

button at any time to transmit on the selected mode or fixed

mode.

Note: To make a Call Alert page, or Private Conversation call while

scanning, press either the PAGE or CALL softkey.

The call is entered on the selected mode and scanning is

halted until the call is exited by pressing the HOME button

or pressing either the PAGE or CALL softkey.

General Radio Features

Temporarily Deleting a Nuisance Mode with Scan On

Restoring a Nuisance Mode

To temporarily delete a mode that you do not wish to hear

(nuisance mode), press NUIS softkey by searching for it with the

help of  or .

You can delete undesired modes.

Note: Priority modes, the selected mode, and the designated

transmit mode cannot be deleted.

To restore the original scan list, do one of the following:

• Turn scan off, then on.

• Change modes.

• Turn off the radio, and then turn it back on.

Note: Nuisance mode delete can be disabled by the system

administrator.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 41

General Radio Features

Changing Mode Priorities While Scan Is On

When active, this dynamic priority feature allows you to change the

priority of a non-priority mode in the scan list to priority 2.

Restoring Mode Priorities in a Scan List

1Press DYNP softkey to change the priority of a non-

priority channel in the scan list to priority 2.

2Press the HOME button momentarily to exit the scan list

and resume scanning.

You cannot alter the status of the priority 1 member.

To restore the original mode priorities in a scan list, do one of

the following:

• Press the RCL softkey.

• Turn scan off, then on.

• Change modes.

• Turn off the radio, and then turn it back on.

General Radio Features

Programming a Scan List

To program a scan list, operator-selectable scan list members first

must be enabled in the radio programming by a qualified radio

technician.

Adding a Channel to the Scan List

1Press the  button to scroll to the PROG softkey.

2Press the button below PROG.

3Press the  button to scroll to the SCAN softkey.

4Press button below SCAN. The scan indicator blinks and

a good-key chirp is heard.

5Press the or button to scroll through the preprogrammed

scan list.

Press the SEL softkey to add the channel.

Scroll through of the available priority choices, and press the SEL

softkey to choose one.

The new channel becomes a member of the scan list assigned to

the selected channel when scan list programming was entered.

Note: If a scan list is full, you will hear a bad-key chirp each time

you press SEL softkey, and the desired channel will not be

assigned to the list.

Press the HOME button to exit scan list programming and return to

normal scan operation.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 43

General Radio Features

Deleting a Channel from the Scan List

Do the following:

1Press the  button to scroll to the PROG softkey.

2Press the button below PROG.

3Press the  button to scroll to the SCAN softkey.

4Press button below SCAN. The scan indicator

blinks and a good-key chirp is heard.

5Press the or button or rotate the Mode knob to

locate the channel to be deleted.

Press the SEL softkey momentarily to scroll through the available

priority choices until the priority choice disappears.

This indicates that the channel is no longer a member of the scan

list that was assigned to the selected channel.

Press the RCL softkey momentarily to scroll through just the scan list

members.

Delete a channel from a scan list by pressing DEL softkey.

Note: If you delete all members of a scan list, and scan is

subsequently turned on, you will hear a continuous low-

pitched tone, and the display will change to EMPTY LIST

You cannot delete the designated transmit mode, the

selected mode, or the fixed scan list members. The selected

mode, by default, is always scanned when scan is turned

on, regardless of whether or not it is explicitly programmed

as a scan list member.

Press the HOME button to exit scan list programming and return to

normal scan operation.

General Radio Features

Hang Up Box (HUB)

To temporarily suspend Scan Mode operation, remove the

microphone from the Hang Up Box (HUB). You are allowed to use the

microphone while scan is suspended. Priority Member scanning is

not suspended, however. This feature applies to all Scan Lists and

Scan Types. Scan is resumed once the microphone is returned to the

holding clip and the preprogrammed hang time has elapsed.

Note: Priority Scan List members are continuously scanned only

when the Scan List, Designated Tx Member field is set to

“Talkback” in the radio programming. Otherwise, all scan

mode operation is suspended.

Optional External Alarms (Horn and Lights)

All control heads can be equipped for external alarms (horn and

lights) that are activated when a Call Alert page, Private Conversation

call, or phone call is received.

These features are useful when you must leave the vehicle, but need

to receive any incoming messages.

The radio always powers up with the horn and lights feature enabled.

Activating the External Alarm(s)

Non-Permanent Horn and Lights

1Press the H/L softkey momentarily.

If necessary use theor buttons to access other options

within the menu.

The last selected alarm(s) are enabled, and the display

alternately shows the enabled alarm(s), then the selected

mode.

2Press the H/L softkey a second time to turn off the alarm(s).

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 45

General Radio Features

Permanent Horn and Lights

Changing the Selected Alarms

1Press H/L softkey momentarily.

The last selected alarm(s) are enabled.

The display briefly shows the enabled alarms, and then reverts

back to the selected mode.

2Press the H/L softkey a second time to turn off the alarm(s).

1Press the H/L softkey until a tone sounds and the display

indicates the currently selected alarm.

2Press the appropriate softkey right below the menu to review

the choices until the display shows the desired alarm:

•H/L softkey - HORN/LITES ON (both horn and lights)

•LGTS softkey - LIGHTS ON

•HORN softkey - HORN ON

3Press the H/L softkey to select the desired alarm and return to

normal operation.

General Radio Features

Receiving a Call While Alarms Are Turned On

When a call is received, the vehicle’s horn sounds for four seconds,

and/or the car lights turn on for 60 seconds. The time interval can be

modified by a qualified radio technician.

The display alternates between the type of call received (CALL,

PAGE, or PHONE) and the selected mode name.

Turning Off Non-Rearmable External Alarm

Turning Off Rearmable External Alarms

1To turn off the external alarm(s), press the PTT button or any

control-head button.

Note: Pressing the CALL, PAGE, or PHON softkey will turn off the

external alarm(s) and place you directly in that feature.

The Volume knob and the DIM button have no effect on the

state of the external alarm(s).

2To rearm the horn and lights feature, press the H/L softkey

momentarily.

To turn off the external alarm(s), press the PTT button or any

control head softkey or button other than the H/L softkey.

Pressing CALL, PAGE, or PHON softkey turns off the external

alarm(s) and places you directly in that feature. When the

external alarm(s) are turned off, they will be automatically

rearmed.

Note: Pressing the H/L softkey turns off the external alarm(s) and

exits the horn and lights feature. To re-arm the feature, press

the H/L softkey momentarily.

The Volume knob and the DIM have no effect on the state of

the external alarms.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 47

General Radio Features

Time-Out Timer

All ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radios provide a time-out timer

function that prevents locking up a repeater or channel by prolonged

keying of the transmitter. You cannot transmit longer than the preset

timer setting. If you attempt to do so, the radio automatically stops

your transmission, and you hear a talk-prohibit tone.

Note: You will hear a brief, low-pitched, warning tone four seconds

before the transmission times out.

The timer is set for 60 seconds at the factory, but it can be

reprogrammed by a qualified radio technician for between 15 and 465

seconds (7.75 minutes), in 15-second intervals, or it can be disabled

entirely for each radio mode.

Push-To-Talk Identification (PTT-ID)

When you press the PTT button to send a message, your radio ID

number is transmitted as part of each voice message. This PTT-ID

number is then shown on the receiving radio’s display.

For the digital mode, the display shows up to eight right-justified

digits.

Pressing the CALL softkey erases the PTT-ID from the display.

The display conditions of PTT-ID must be programmed by a qualified

radio technician.

General Radio Features

Telephone Interconnect List (Conventional

and Trunking)

With any of the control heads, you can initiate and receive telephone

calls if the system is properly equipped. All calls between the mobile

operator and the land line are private, regardless of who initiates the

call.

All control heads feature a phone list capability of up to 100

preprogrammed phone numbers. The radios can be programmed by

a qualified radio technician so that a name can be assigned to each

number in the list.

Answering a Phone Call

When a phone call is received, telephone-type ringing sounds and

the display shows PHONE CALL.

1Press the PHON softkey.

2Press the PTT button to talk; release it to listen.

3When the call is completed, press the HOME button or PHON

softkey to hang up and return to normal operation.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 49

General Radio Features

Initiating a Telephone Call from the List

1Press the PHON softkey momentarily to select the phone

function.

A valid-key chirp is heard.

The display shows the last number dialed or a blank scratchpad

appearing as a series of dashes.

2Press the  or  button to locate the number you want to call.

The display first shows the name, and then the number.

3Press the PTT button.

The display shows the number that is automatically dialed.

Note: If the number contains a programmed pause, the dialing

pauses briefly when the display shows P. After the brief

pause, the rest of the numbers are dialed.

If you are out of range of the trunked system, the display

shows NO PHONE, and a continuous low-pitched tone

sounds. Press the PHON softkey to resume normal

operation.

If the trunked phone interconnect is in use or the phone

interconnect is out of service, a telephone-type busy tone

sounds, and the display shows PHONE BUSY. Your number is

automatically dialed when the phone interconnect becomes

available. If you hang up, you lose your place in the queue.

If the display shows PHONE BUSY with a low-pitched tone

rather than a telephone-type busy tone, the call is not

queued. You must hang up and try again.

4When your party answers, press the PTT button to talk, and

release it to listen.

5When the call is completed, press the PHON softkey to hang up

and return to normal operation.

General Radio Features

Unlimited Telephone Interconnect

Calling a Phone Number Not in the List

1Press the  or  button to access the PHON feature.

Press the softkey under the phone feature.

2Enter the desired phone number from the optional keypad mic.

The display updates as the numbers are entered.

3Press Enter on the keypad mic to make the call

4When your party answers, press the PTT button to talk, and

release it to listen.

5When the call is completed, press the HOME button to hang up

and return to normal operation.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 51

General Radio Features

Storing a Number in the List

1Press and hold the PHON softkey to select the phone

programming function.

2Press the  or  button to locate the number you want to

change.

3Press the SEL softkey to edit the number in the display.

4Enter the new phone number on the keypad.

Note: To backspace, press the # button twice or the Mode down

 button once. Enter a pause by pressing the * button, then

the # button.

5Press the SEL softkey to store the new number.

6Do one of the following:

• Press the HOME button to return to normal radio operation.

• Press the PHON softkey to return to normal phone operation.

General Radio Features

Editing a Name in the List

1Press and hold the PHON softkey to enter the phone ID list

programming.

The Phon indicator flashes and a high-pitched tone sounds.

2Use the navigation keys,  or  to locate the list member you

want to change.

Use the numbered keys to go immediately to the location of a

member in the list. For example, press 2 to go to the second

member in the list; press 1 and 0 to go to the tenth member in

the list, and so on.

3Change the characters or numbers using any of the numeric

keys (0 through 9) and special function keys

(*, #).

Note: The maximum number of characters permitted in a text line

is 14. If you try to add too many characters, you will hear a

low-pitched tone.

To edit, do any or all of the following:

• To enter a character at the blinking cursor, refer to the table

on page 54.

Press the key of the desired character the number of times

shown in the table. For example, to enter the character C,

press the 2 key three times.

• To leave a space in the text, press the Mode up  rocker

switch to move the blinking cursor to the next character

position, and then enter the character.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 53

General Radio Features

• To delete characters, press the Mode down  rocker switch

to move backwards over existing characters.

When the last character on the display has been erased,

press the Mode down  rocker switch again to leave the

name-edit mode, without making any changes, and begin

the procedure again at step 2.

4To save the changes, press and hold the SEL softkey.

Note: Press the SEL softkey momentarily to confirm changes to a

number in the list.

5Repeat steps 2 through 4 until you have modified all the desired

names,

Do one of the following:

• Press the HOME button to return to normal radio operation.

• Press the PHON softkey to return to normal phone operation.

General Radio Features

Table 1: Entering Characters Using the Keypad

Key

Number of times the key is pressed

123456789

2ABC2abc

3DEF3def

4GHI 4gh i

5JKL5 j k l

6MNO6mn o

7PQRS7pqr s

8TUV8 t u v

9WXYZ9wxyz

**/+-

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 55

General Radio Features

Call Alert Page (Conventional and Trunking—

Digital Modes Only)

The Call Alert feature allows a radio to selectively alert another radio,

and to determine whether or not that radio received the alert. A Call

Alert page can be initiated after an unsuccessful Private Conversation

call or as a separate feature.

The M5 Controller Head is capable of responding to a Call Alert

initiated by another radio. It features a unique list of up to 100

preprogrammed ID numbers. A name can be assigned to each ID in

the list for your convenience.

Sending a Call Alert Page

1Press the PAGE softkey.

The Page indicator lights and a valid-key chirp sounds.

The display shows the last transmitted/received unit ID number.

2Select a radio in one of the following ways:

• From the ID number list:

– Do nothing if you want to call the unit ID currently

displayed.

– Use the prestored list by using the navigation keys to

locate the name/ID you want to call.

– Enter, using the keypad or keypad mic, the ID of the

desired unit.

Note: Using the keypad to enter the ID of another unit can only be

accomplished from the first display shown when Page was

entered. If the list has been entered, scroll to the first display.

General Radio Features

3Press the SEL softkey or the microphone PTT button.

The display changes to PLEASE WAIT.

4Choose one of the following:

• When the called radio acknowledges the page, four

additional tones sound and the display changes to ACK

RCVD.

The radio returns to normal operation.

• If you are out of the range of the system, a low-pitched tone

sounds.

Try again by pressing the PTT button or the SEL softkey,

Press the HOME button to return to normal operation.

• If, after six seconds, the called unit fails to acknowledge the

alert, a low-pitched tone sounds and the display changes to

NO ACK.

Try again by pressing the PTT button or the SEL softkey,

Press the HOME button to exit.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 57

Conventional Radio Features

Features Used in Conventional Operation

This chapter shows you how to access features available in

conventional operation. The following topics are covered:

• Status Calls (Digital Modes Only) (page 58)

• Smart PTT (page 61)

• Conventional Talkgroup Calls (page 61)

• Conventional Talkaround (page 63)

• Selective Calls (Digital Modes Only) (page 63)

Conventional Radio Features

Status Calls (Digital Modes Only)

Radio status calls are used to inform the dispatcher of the present

state of the mobile unit. For example, a status might be ENROUTE or

AT SITE.

Status names are field programmable. Each radio can have up to 8

separate statuses.

Sending a Status Call

1Press the STS softkey, and the display shows the last-

acknowledged status name.

2Press the  or  button to review the list of status names, or

use the keypad mic to enter the number of the status you wish

to send.

Note: If no button is pressed for a period of time, an inactivity

warning will sound.

3The display shows the desired status name or number, press

the PTT button to send the transmission.

One of the following conditions occurs:

• The radio display shows PLEASE WAIT until the transmission

is received and acknowledged.

When the dispatcher acknowledges the status, four high-

pitched tones sound, and the display shows ACK RECEIVED.

The radio then returns to normal dispatch operation.

• If the status is not acknowledged after approximately six

seconds, the display alternates between NO ACKNOWLEDGE

and the associated status name. A low-pitched tone also

sounds continuously.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 59

Conventional Radio Features

• If there is no acknowledgment, do one of the following:

Press the microphone PTT button to resend the status

transmission.

Press the HOME button to return to normal dispatch

operation.

Conventional Radio Features

Sending a Direct-Entry Keyboard (DEK) Status

Press the desired Sts # button on the DEK.

The red indicator flashes while the radio is waiting for an

acknowledgment. The control head momentarily displays the

selected status, then shows PLEASE WAIT.

One of the following conditions occurs:

• When the dispatcher-acknowledge is received, four high-

pitched tones sound, and the status indicator lights solid and

remains on to show the last status acknowledged by the

dispatch terminal.

The display also temporarily shows ACK RCVD.

The radio then returns to normal dispatch operation.

• If the dispatcher-acknowledge is not received, the red

indicator continues to flash, the display temporarily shows

NO ACK, and a low-pitched tone sounds. At the same time,

the indicator above the last-acknowledged status lights.

The radio then returns to normal dispatch operation.

• Resend the last status.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 61

Conventional Radio Features

Smart PTT

Smart PTT is a per-mode feature that gives the system manager

better control of radio operations. When smart PTT is enabled in your

radio, you will not be able to transmit on an active mode. If you try to

transmit (press the PTT button) on a busy or active smart PTT

channel, a continuous tone sounds until you release the PTT button,

and the transmission is inhibited.

The yellow BUSY LED lights when the radio is receiving to indicate

that the mode is busy.

Three radio-wide variations of smart PTT can be enabled on your

radio:

Conventional Talkgroup Calls

Digital Modes Only

This feature allows you to define talkgroups for your conventional

system. Talkgroups, combined with selective squelch operation, allow

groups of users to transparently share a conventional channel.

Talkgroups can be slaved to a personality through programming, or

you can select them.

Encryption keys are slaved to talkgroups. When conventional

talkgroups are enabled, encryption keys are changed by changing the

active talkgroup.

Transmit Inhibit on

Busy Mode with

Carrier

You will not be able to transmit if any

activity is detected on the mode.

Transmit Inhibit on

Busy Mode with

Wrong Squelch Code

You will not be able to transmit on an

active mode that has a squelch code other

than your own.

Quick-Key Override You can override either of the two previous

transmit-inhibit states by quick-keying the

radio (two quick PTT button presses).

Conventional Radio Features

Selecting a Conventional Talkgroup

The Talkgroup Select feature allows you to manually select any one

of the available talkgroups.

1Press the TGRP softkey.

The display changes to show the last-selected talkgroup.

2Rotate the Mode knob to choose a different talkgroup.

3Press the SEL softkey to save the talkgroup.

The radio returns to the home display.

Note: To select the default talkgroup, press the SEL softkey while

the radio displays PRESET.

Selecting PSET softkey causes the radio to return to its

preprogrammed talkgroup.

To abort the talkgroup menu, press the HOME button or the

PTT button:

– Pressing HOME exits the talkgroup select menu without

saving the selected talkgroup choice.

– Pressing the PTT button exits the menu without saving

the selected talkgroup and allows the radio to transmit.

Note: If the encryption key slaved to the new talkgroup is erased,

the display shows KEY FAIL and a momentary tone is

generated. If the encryption key that is slaved to the new

talkgroup is not allowed, the display shows ILLEGAL KEY

and a momentary tone is generated.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 63

Conventional Radio Features

Conventional Talkaround

Talk Direct (Mobile-To-Mobile)

To talk directly to another unit without going through the conventional

repeater system:

Selective Calls (Digital Modes Only)

The Selective Call feature not only allows you to carry on a

conversation that is heard only by the two parties involved, but also

enables you to determine whether the unit you are calling is in

service.

The M5 Control Head is capable of responding to a Selective Call

initiated by another radio. It features a unique list of preprogrammed

ID numbers. A name may be assigned to each ID in the list for your

convenience.

1Press the DIR softkey momentarily.

The Dir indicator lights, indicating that the radio is now

transmitting directly to another unit.

2To return to repeater operation, press the DIR softkey again.

The Dir indicator goes out.

Note: A conventional personality can be configured to always

transmit on the direct mobile-to-mobile frequency. In this

case, the Dir indicator is lit continuously while the mode is

selected.

Conventional Radio Features

Answering a Selective Call

When a Selective Call is received, two high-pitched tones sound

and the display alternates between CALL RECEIVED and the home

display.

1Press the CALL softkey within 20 seconds of receiving the call.

(This time is programmable by a qualified radio technician.)

The display shows the ID number of the calling unit.

2To respond to the call, press the PTT button and talk.

If 20 seconds pass before you press the CALL softkey, you will

not respond privately to the call just received. Instead, when

you press the CALL softkey, you enter the Selective Call state,

as described in “Selective Calls (Digital Modes Only)” on

page 63.

If the system is busy when you attempt to answer the call, a

telephone-type busy tone sounds and your radio’s BUSY

indicator lights. When a channel becomes available, you

receive a call back, and your radio automatically keys up for

three seconds so that you can begin talking.

Note: If you do not press the CALL softkey before pressing the

PTT button, your conversation will be heard by all members

of the talk group.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 65

Conventional Radio Features

Initiating a Selective Call

To initiate a Selective Call, select a unit to call, then place the call.

1Press the CALL softkey.

The Call indicator lights, and the display shows the last

transmitted/received unit ID number.

2Select a unit in one of the following ways:

• From the ID number list:

– Do nothing if you want to call the unit ID currently

displayed.

– Use the prestored list by turning the Mode knob to locate

the name/ID you want to call.

– Enter, using the keypad, the ID of the desired unit.

Note: Using the keypad to enter the ID of another unit can only be

accomplished from the first display shown when CALL was

entered. If the list has been entered, scroll to the first

display.

3Press the microphone PTT button.

A telephone-type ringing sounds if the unit you are calling is in

service. The display shows PLEASE WAIT.

Conventional Radio Features

4Choose one of the following conditions that applies to your

current call:

• If the receiving unit answers, identify yourself and begin your

Selective Call.

• If, after a programmable time period, you are not connected,

the display shows NO ACKNOWLEDGE and a momentary, low-

pitched tone sounds.

Try again, or press the HOME button to return to normal

operation.

• If you are out of the system’s range, a low-pitched tone

sounds.

Try again, or press the HOME button to return to normal

operation.

• If the system is busy when you attempt to make a call, the

radio you are calling hears a telephone-type busy tone.

When a channel becomes available, the called radio

receives a call back and automatically keys up for three

seconds so that conversation can begin.

5To return to normal operation, press the HOME button.

Note: If you do not press the HOME button to hang up, your unit

will remain in the Selective Call state with the other unit. You

will miss all subfleet traffic and incoming phone calls.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 67

Conventional Radio Features

Viewing Your Unit ID Number

1Press the CALL softkey momentarily to select the Selective Call

feature.

The Call indicator lights.

2Do one of the following:

• Use the left navigation key to locate the MY ID display.

• The display will alternate between MY ID and your ID

number.

3To return to normal operation, press the HOME button.

Conventional Radio Features

Storing a Unit ID Number in the List

The Selective and Call Alert page features share the same prestored

list of units’ IDs.

1Press and hold the CALL softkey to review the Call ID list.

The Call indicator flashes and a high-pitched tone sounds.

2Use the navigation keys to locate the list member you want to

change.

3Press the NAME softkey to store a name

press the NUM softkey to store a number.

4Use the keypad mic to update the entry.

5When all the digits are entered, press the SAVE softkey to store

the new ID.

6Repeat steps 2 through 5 until all the desired IDs have been

entered.

Do one of the following:

• Press the HOME button to return to normal radio operation.

• Press PTT to exit the feature.

Note: The maximum number of characters permitted in a text line

is 14.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 69

Conventional Radio Features

Editing a Name in the List

The Selective Call and Call Alert page features share the same

prestored list of unit IDs.

1Press and hold the CALL or PAGE softkey to enter the Call ID list.

The Call indicator flashes and a high-pitched tone sounds.

2Use the navigation keys to locate the list member you want to

change.

Use the numbered keys to go immediately to the location of a

member in the list. For example, press 2 to go to the second

member in the list; press 1 and 0 to go to the tenth member in

the list, and so on.

3Press and hold the SEL button to select the name-editing

function.

4Change the characters or numbers using any of the numeric

keys (0 through 9) and special function keys (*, #) with the

keyapd mic.

Note: The maximum number of characters permitted in a text line

is 14. If you try to add too many characters, you will hear a

low-pitched tone.

To edit, do any or all of the following:

• To enter a character at the blinking cursor, refer to the table

on page 54.

Press the key of the desired character the number of times

shown in the table. For example, to enter the character C,

press the 2 key three times.

• To leave a space in the text, press the up  navigation key to

move the blinking cursor to the next character position, and

then enter the next character.

Conventional Radio Features

• To delete characters, press the down  navigation key to

move backwards over existing characters.

When the last character on the display has been erased,

press the down  navigation key again to leave the name-

edit mode, without making any changes, and begin the

procedure again at step 2.

5To save the changes, press and hold the SEL softkey.

Note: Press the SEL softkey momentarily to confirm changes to a

number in the list.

6Repeat steps 2 through 5 until you have modified all the desired

names.

Do one of the following:

• Press the HOME button to return to normal radio operation.

• Press PTT to exit the feature.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 71

Trunking Operation

Features Used on Trunking Systems

This chapter shows you how to access features available on trunking

systems. The following topics are covered:

• Enhanced Private Conversation (Digital Modes Only) (page 72)

• Failsoft (page 75)

• Dynamic Regrouping (Digital Modes Only) (page 76)

• SmartZone (page 78)

• Out-of-Range Indication (page 80)

• Trunked Announcement (page 81)

Trunking Operation

Enhanced Private Conversation (Digital

Modes Only)

The enhanced Private Conversation feature not only allows you to

carry on a conversation that is heard only by the two parties involved,

but also enables you to determine whether the unit you are calling is

in service.

The M5 Control Head is capable of responding to a Private

Conversation call initiated by another radio. It features a unique list of

preprogrammed ID numbers. A name may be assigned to each ID in

the list for your convenience.

Answering an Enhanced Private Conversation Call

When a Private Conversation Call is received, two high-pitched

tones sound and the display alternates between CALL RECEIVED

and the home display.

1Press the CALL softkey within 20 seconds of receiving the call.

(This time is programmable by a qualified radio technician.)

The display shows the ID number of the calling unit.

2To respond to the call, press the PTT button and talk.

If 20 seconds pass before you press the CALL softkey, you will

not respond privately to the call just received. Instead, when

you press the CALL softkey, you enter the Private Conversation

Call state, as described in “Initiating an Enhanced Private

Conversation Call” on page 73.

If the system is busy when you attempt to answer the call, a

telephone-type busy tone sounds and your radio’s BUSY

indicator lights. When a channel becomes available, you

receive a call back, and your radio automatically keys up for

three seconds so that you can begin talking.

Note: If you do not press the CALL softkey before pressing the

PTT button, your conversation will be heard by all members

of the talk group.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 73

Trunking Operation

Initiating an Enhanced Private Conversation Call

To initiate an Enhanced Private Conversation Call, select a unit to

call, then place the call.

1Press the CALL softkey.

The Call indicator lights, and the display shows the last

transmitted/received unit ID number.

2Select a unit in one of the following ways:

• From the ID number list:

– Do nothing if you want to call the unit ID in the display.

– Use the prestored list by pressing the navigation keys to

locate the name/ID you want to call.

– Press the Mode up  rocker switch once, and then use

the keypad to directly advance to the desired list

member.

– Enter, using the keypad or keypad mic, the ID of the

desired unit.

Note: Using the keypad to enter the ID of another unit can only be

accomplished from the first display shown when CALL was

entered. If the list has been entered, scroll to the first

display.

3Press the microphone PTT button.

A telephone-type ringing sounds if the unit you are calling is in

service. The display shows PLEASE WAIT.

Trunking Operation

4Choose one of the following conditions that applies to your

current call:

• If the receiving unit answers, identify yourself and begin your

Private Conversation.

• If, after a programmable time period, you are not connected,

the display shows NO ACKNOWLEDGE and a momentary, low-

pitched tone sounds.

Try again, or press the HOME button to return to normal

operation.

• If you are out of the system’s range, a low-pitched tone

sounds.

Try again, or press the HOME button to return to normal

operation.

• If the system is busy when you attempt to make a call, the

radio you are calling hears a telephone-type busy tone.

When a channel becomes available, the called radio

receives a call back and automatically keys up for three

seconds so that conversation can begin.

5To return to normal operation, press the HOME button .

Note: If you do not press the HOME button to hang up, your unit

will remain in the Private Conversation state with the other

unit. You will miss all subfleet traffic and incoming phone

calls.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 75

Trunking Operation

Failsoft

If the trunked system’s central controller fails for any reason, the radio

indicates failsoft. In this condition, the radio transmits and receives on

a pre-determined frequency in a conventional mode.

Failsoft ensures that you will have communications capability at all

times. Radios can be programmed by the system administrator so

units that normally communicate on the same trunked mode will be

assigned to the same failsoft repeater frequency.

Since the normal trunking features do not operate during failsoft,

much of the privacy of trunked systems is lost. You must share the

channel with other users until the failure is corrected.

To continue, in Failsoft, to communicate with other talkgroups:

Failsoft:

If a system that is in failsoft is accessed while in scan, the radio

freezes scan and remains on the failsoft frequency for a period of six

seconds. This time period can be changed by a qualified radio

technician. This allows the operator to monitor the failsoft frequency

for activity before resuming scanning.

1Rotate the Mode knob rocker switch to change to a different

repeater frequency.

The failsoft condition is indicated by a faint beeping tone every

every nine seconds (radio unsquelched).

When the trunking system returns to normal operation, the

beeping tone stops.

2Press the PTT button to talk, and release the button to listen.

Trunking Operation

Dynamic Regrouping (Digital Modes Only)

The dynamic regrouping feature allows the dispatcher to temporarily

reassign selected individuals, operating in separate trunked

talkgroups, into a single group so that they can communicate.

Receiving a Dynamic Regrouping ID Assignment

When your unit receives a dynamic regrouping ID assignment, a

unique chirp sounds to alert you that your unit has been dynamically

regrouped. The display shows the new dynamic mode name

assignment. Examples of the field-programmable dynamic mode

names include 16 DYNMC, 8 TACTCL.

• Press the PTT button. The radio makes a chirp and transmits

on the dynamically assigned mode.

After the dispatcher releases your mobile from the dynamic

ID assignment, your radio returns to the last selected, non-

dynamic regrouping mode.

• If no dynamic regrouping assignment has been made, a low-

pitched tone sounds if you attempt to select a dynamic

mode.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 77

Trunking Operation

Selecting Enable and Disable (Digital Modes Only)

The dispatcher may classify regrouped units into one of two

categories: select-enabled or select-disabled.

Requesting a Dynamic Regrouping

(Digital Modes Only)

Select-enabled Units are free to make mode changes to any of

the available talkgroups, including the dynamic

group.

Select-disabled Units cannot change modes because the

dispatcher has specifically chosen to force the

unit to remain in the dynamic mode.

Pres the RPGM softkey to request regrouping.

A high-pitched tone sounds, indicating your request was received by

the system’s central controller.

The display changes to REPROGRAM RQST while the request is being

processed.

If the regrouping request is acknowledged, a dispatcher-

acknowledge signal sounds (four high-pitched tones), and the

display shows ACK RECEIVED.

The radio then returns to normal operation.

If the regrouping request is not acknowledged within six to eight

seconds, the display alternates between showing NO ACKNOWLEDGE

and a low-pitched tone sounds.

At this time, do the following:

• Press the PTT button to resend the regroup request

• Press the HOME button to return to normal operation.

Trunking Operation

SmartZone

The SmartZone® feature extends communications beyond the reach

of a single-trunked site (antenna location) when operating in a

SmartZone system. SmartZone units provide expanded wide-area

coverage.

SmartZone automatically switches the radio to a different site when

the current site signal becomes unacceptable. This usually happens

when the vehicle in which the radio is located is driven out of the

range of one site, and into the range of another.

Under normal conditions, a SmartZone-enabled radio functions

invisibly to the operator. However, the operator does have some

manual controls on the Control Head: the SITE softkey. This button

can be used to check, or change, the SmartZone operation.

Site-Button Operation

To check which site the radio has currently selected:

Press the SITE softkey momentarily.

The display momentarily shows the current site name and RSSI

(received signal strength indicator).

One of the following conditions can also occur:

• If the radio is not locked onto a site, but is scanning for a new

site, the display shows SCANNING.

• If the radio has not yet received site ID information for the

current site, the radio displays SITE XX.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 79

Trunking Operation

Locking onto a Site

In areas that commonly have weak signals, use the SmartZone lock

function to prevent the radio from automatically scanning for a new

site.

Site Trunking

In a SmartZone system, if the zone controller for a particular site fails,

the site enters into a site-trunking operational mode. In this mode of

operation, the user can only communicate with other units at the

same site.

Radios in a SmartZone system can be programmed by a qualified

radio technician to display SITE TRUNKING when site trunking

becomes active. The display alternates with the current mode display

as long as the radio remains in site trunking. The radio also sounds a

valid-key chirp when it first detects site trunking.

1Press the SITE softkey momentarily to display the current lock

status.

Either the display shows SITE LOCKED or SITE UNLOCKED.

Press HOME button or SITE softkey again to return to normal

operation.

2To change the locked or unlocked condition, press and hold the

SITE softkey until a tone sounds and the display changes.

After temporarily displaying the new condition, the radio returns

to normal operation.

Trunking Operation

Out-of-Range Indication

The out-of-range display/audible indication feature can be enabled by

a qualified radio technician. The display alternately shows OUT OF

RANGE and the current selected mode, and a low-pitched tone sounds

every six seconds:

• When the radio is out of range of the system and can no longer

lock onto the control channel

• When the radio is in failsoft and cannot lock onto the failsoft

channel.

The out-of-range indication remains in effect until one of the following

conditions occur:

• The radio locks on a control channel

• The radio locks on a failsoft channel

• The radio is turned off

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 81

Trunking Operation

Trunked Announcement

The announcement capability allows a user to make announcements

to the entire user group, as well as monitor talkgroup calls and other

announcements.

Announcement calls are handled in two different ways, depending on

the trunked central controller configuration. The two types are called

ruthless and non-ruthless preemption.

•Ruthless Preemption: When a ruthless preemption

announcement call is initiated, the requesting radio begins

transmitting immediately. All associated talkgroup calls taking

place on other channels are immediately halted, and the radios

are steered to the announcement call.

Transmitting radios continue to transmit until the PTT button is

released, at which time they also unmute for the announcement

call. Individual calls (Private Conversation and telephone

interconnect) are not affected.

•Non-Ruthless Preemption: When a non-ruthless preemption

announcement is initiated, the initiating unit receives a telephone-

type busy tone, followed by a call back when all associated

talkgroup conversations end.

Once an announcement call is pending, any attempts by other

users to initiate a talkgroup call will result in a telephone-type busy

tone. These users will not receive a call back until the

announcement call is complete.

Initiating an Announcement

If your radio has been programmed to allow announcement calls:

1Rotate the Mode knob to locate the announcement-group

mode.

2Press the microphone PTT button to initiate the announcement.

Trunking Operation

Notes

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 83

ARS User Login and Text Messaging

Features

Automatic Registration Service (ARS)

The Automatic Registration Service feature provides an automated

data application registration for the radio. When you turn on the radio,

the device automatically registers with the server. Data applications

within the fixed network can determine the presence of a device on

the system and send data to the device. For example: Text

Messaging Service (TMS).

The Automatic Registration Service for the radio consists of 2 modes:

• ARS Server Mode (default mode)

• ARS Non Server Mode

Note: The default ARS mode can be changed by a qualified

radio technician using the radio’s programming software.

Selecting or Changing ARS Mode

To change an ARS mode in the current zone, do the following:

After the zone you want is displayed, rotate the Mode knob until the

display shows the desired mode name.

Press and hold the button to

find CHAN.

Press the button directly

below CHAN.

The display shows the current

channel/mode name (in this

case, ARSNSVR) blinking and the

zone (Z1), not blinking.

CHAN

Z1 ARSNSVR

ARS User Login and Text Messaging Features

Press thebutton to find the

channel /mode you want.

Rotate the Mode knob.

Press the button to confirm the displayed zone and mode /

channel.

Z1 ARSSVR

ZONE PAGE TMS

CALL PROG

Z1 ARSNSVR

ZONE PAGE TMS

CALL PROG

Server mode

ARS non-server mode

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 85

ARS User Login and Text Messaging Features

ARS User Login Feature

The user login feature allows you as the user to be associated with

the radio. With this association, every data application (Example: Text

Messaging Service) will take on a friendly username. You can still

send text messages without logging in as a user. The user login

feature only enables the recipient of your message to identify you as

the sender by assigning a username to your message.

Accessing the User Login Feature

The user login feature can be accessed by selecting a menu item on

the display or through a programmable button.

1Press the button until USER appears on the display.

2To access the user login screen through the menu item, press

the button below USER.

To access the user login screen through a preprogrammed

button, press the preprogrammed user button on the keypad

microphone.

Note: See “Programmable Buttons” on page 9 for information

on preprogrammed buttons.

3The user login screen appears.

ID:

PIN:

09:19AM

LOGN ID PIN

ARS User Login and Text Messaging Features

To Login as a User

1Press the button below ID to enter your username at the

prompt.

Note: Username will not be case sensitive in server mode and

will be case sensitive in non-server mode.

2You need to use the keypad microphone to manually enter a

username.You can enter a username via direct entry using the

keypad multi-tap function.

Press the button labeled with the desired character, once for the

first character, twice for the second, and so on.

For example:

To enter “S”, press the 7 button four times. To enter “7”, press

the button five times. If you do not press a button for a few

seconds, the character is accepted, and the cursor moves to the

next position.

Press the # button to delete a character.

ID:|

PIN:

09:19AM

LOGN ID PIN

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 87

ARS User Login and Text Messaging Features

Select a predefined username from the list of predefined

username. See “Selecting a Predefined Username” on page 91

for information on how to add a predefined username.

Note: Valid characters for username entry are capital letters A-

Z, small letters a-z, numbers 0-9, ‘*’, ‘#’, ‘-‘, ‘/’ and the

space character. The maximum username length is 8

characters.

Key Number of times the button is pressed

123456789

0 0

1 1 - * # /

2ABC2abc

3DEF3de f

4GHI 4gh i

5JKL5 j k l

6MNO6mn o

7PQRS7pqr s

8TUV8 t u v

9WXYZ9wxyz

* Space

# Delete a character

ARS User Login and Text Messaging Features

3Press the button below PIN to enter your PIN (Personal

Identification Number) number at the prompt. You need to use

the keypad microphone to manually enter a PIN number. The

maximum PIN length is 4 digits. The PIN number will appear as

asterisks.

4To log in :

Press the button

below LOGN.

In ARS server mode:

The progress screen

appears.

In ARS non-server mode:

The “logged in” confirmation

screen appears.

In non-ARS enabled mode:

The display shows OFFLINE.

5Press the button below CNCL to cancel the login in

progress screen and return to the initial user login screen.

ID:User228

PIN:****

09:19AM

LOGN ID PIN

ID:User228

IN PROGRESS

09:19AM

CNCL

ID:User228

OFFLINE

09:19AM

LOGT

Server mode

Non-ARS enabled mode

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 89

ARS User Login and Text Messaging Features

6The logged in confirmation

screen appears when the

The “successful user login”

indicator (IP indicator) will

be shown on the display.

7When you enter an invalid

username or PIN, login fails

and the user login screen

will display a momentary

text LOGIN FAILED. The

user login failure indicator

(blinking IP indicator) is

shown on the display.

ID:User228

LOGGED IN

09:19AM

LOGT

ID:User228

09:19AM

ARS User Login and Text Messaging Features

8To log out :

Press the button

below LOGT

Upon pressing the LOGT

button, a confirmation

screen appears.

Press the button

below YES to clear all your

private data. A momentary

text PRIVATE DATA

CLEARED is shown.

Press the button

below NO to keep your

private data.

Note: Private data refers to

all messages in the

text messaging

Inbox, Draft and Sent

folder. The next radio

user will be able to

access your Inbox,

Draft and Sent

messages if private

data is not deleted.

CLEAR PRIVATE

DATA?

09:19AM

YES NO

PRIVATE DATA

CLEARED

09:19AM

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 91

ARS User Login and Text Messaging Features

Selecting a Predefined Username

1Press thebutton to scroll to the next username.

Press the button to scroll to the previous username.

Press and hold thebutton to scroll to the next usernames

continuously one at a time at a fast scroll rate.

Press and hold the button to scroll to the previous usernames

continuously one at a time at a fast scroll rate.

Rotate the Mode knob to scroll through the usernames.

2If you log in with a selected predefined username comprising of

8 characters or more, or one with an invalid character, you will

see a momentary text INVALID ID on the display.

Note: A predefined username may sometimes be invalid

because the programming software that is used to set

predefined usernames allows you to set usernames

comprising of 8 characters or more.

INVALID ID

PIN:

09:19AM

LOGN ID PIN

ARS User Login and Text Messaging Features

Text Messaging

The Text Messaging Service (TMS) is an application service through

which you can send and receive text messages. You can send 3

types of text messages, namely

• A new text message (free form messages)

• Predefined messages (quick text messages)

• Edited quick text messages

Accessing TMS Feature

Use the Menu

Use the TMS Feature Button

1Press thebutton until TMS appears on the display.

2Press the button directly below TMS.

Press the button on the keypad microphone to access the

TMS feature screen.

Z1 ARSSVR

ZONE PAGE TMS

CALL PROG

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 93

ARS User Login and Text Messaging Features

Use the Preprogrammed TMS Button

Press the preprogrammed button on the keypad microphone to

access the TMS feature screen.

Pressing and holding the preprogrammed TMS button brings you

directly to the Inbox screen.

Note: Any programmable button on the keypad microphone can

be programmed to access TMS feature. See

“Programmable Buttons” on page 9.

The TMS feature’s main menu consists of the Inbox, Compose,

Draft, Sent and Back option.

See “TMS Menu Options” on page 94 for explanation on each

menu option.

Press theorbutton to scroll through the main menu options.

User228

0000009

INBX DRFT BACK

COMP SENT

ARS User Login and Text Messaging Features

Table 2: TMS Menu Options

Menu Options Description/ Function

INBX This is used to store new incoming messages or

messages that you have received. The Inbox can

hold up to 30 messages.

COMP This menu option brings you to the compose

screen.

DRFT This is used to store all saved messages or

messages that are to be sent at a later time. The

Draft folder can hold up to 10 messages.

SENT This is used to store the messages that you have

already sent. The Sent folder can hold up to 10

messages.

BACK This menu option brings you back to the TMS

main menu or previous menu.

EDIT This menu option brings you to the Quick Text

Messages screen.

SAVE This menu option allows you to save your

messages to the Draft folder.

RPLY This menu option allows you to reply to a

message.

DEL This menu option allows you to delete a message.

ADDR This menu option allows you to key in the target

address, or select one from the list.

NEW This menu option allows you to compose a new

message.

LIST This menu option allows you to select a predefined

message.

IMPT This menu option is used to toggle on/off the

“Priority” flag for an outgoing message.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 95

ARS User Login and Text Messaging Features

Table 3: TMS Status Symbols

RQRP This menu option is used to toggle on/off the

“Request Reply” flag for an outgoing message.

CURR This menu option is used to delete the current

selected message.

ALL This menu option is used to delete all the

messages in the current message folder.

Symbol Indication

Priority Message

This icon is displayed

• when incoming message is a “Priority”

message.

• when “Priority” is toggled on before sending the

message.

• in the Inbox folder for messages which are

flagged with “Priority”.

Request Reply

This icon is displayed

• when “Request Reply” is toggled on before

sending the message.

• in the Inbox folder for messages which are

flagged with “Request Reply”.

Inbox Full

This icon is displayed when the Inbox folder is full.

Menu Options Description/ Function

ARS User Login and Text Messaging Features

New Message Icon

This icon is displayed when a new incoming

message is received.

Message Sent

This icon indicates that the selected message has

been successfully sent.

Message Unsent

This icon indicates that the selected message was

not successfully sent.

Read Message

This icon is used to indicate that the selected

message in the Inbox has been read.

Unread Message

This icon indicates that the selected message in the

Inbox folder has not been read.

Message Index

This icon indicates the index of the current message

the user is viewing. Example: If the user is looking at

the third message out of a total of 6 messages in the

Inbox folder, the icon is displayed as the icon on the

left column.

Num Lock

This icon indicates that the text entry is currently in

num lock mode.

Normal Mode

This icon indicates that the text entry is currently in

the normal mode.

Symbol Indication

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 97

ARS User Login and Text Messaging Features

Receive a Message

To View Message from the Inbox.

Uppercase

This icon is displayed during text editing mode to

indicate that the text entry is currently in uppercase

mode.

When you receive a

momentary text, NEW MSG

appears on the display

along with a new message

icon.

1Access TMS (or Launch

TMS).

Press the button

directly below INBX.

2The Inbox screen appears.

The first message in the list

is displayed. Message status

icons are displayed at the top

of the screen. See “TMS

Status Symbols” on page 95

for further details on these

icons.

Note: If the message fills more than one screen, scroll to read it

by pressing the  or button.

Symbol Indication

NEW MSG

ZONE PAGE TMS

CALL PROG

User228

0000009

INBX DRFT BACK

COMP SENT

FROM:User826

Hello

RPLY DEL BACK

INBOX 01/01

ARS User Login and Text Messaging Features

Compose a New Text Message

3 Press theor button to scroll through the messages.

Rotate the Mode knob.

4To delete the message, press the button below DEL. See

“Delete a Message” on page 105 for further details.

1Press the button below COMP to compose a new

message.

The Compose Message Screen appears.

LIST or NEW option appears on the display.

2Press the button below NEW to type a new message.

A blinking cursor appears on the display indicating point of input.

LIST OR NEW

NEW LIST BACK

ADDR SAVE BACK

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 99

ARS User Login and Text Messaging Features

3 Writing Text

Type your message using the keypad microphone.

Press the button labeled with the desired character, once for the

first character, twice for the second, and so on.

For example:

To enter “s”, press the 7 button four times. To enter “7”, press

the button five times. If you do not press a button for a few

seconds, the character is accepted, and the cursor moves to the

next position.

Press # button to delete a character.

Key Number of times the button is pressed (in normal mode)

123456789

0 0 or press and hold to toggle between normal text

entry mode, uppercase mode and num lock mode.

1 1 . , ? ! ; @ _ - * # & $ / + = \ “ ‘ ( )

2abc2ABC

3de f 3DEF

4gh i 4GHI

5jkl5JKL

6mno6MNO

7pqr s7PQRS

8tuv8TUV

9wxyz9WXYZ

* Space

# Delete a character

100

ARS User Login and Text Messaging Features

You can move the cursor by pressing the v or u button on the

keypad microphone.

Press and hold 0 to toggle between normal text entry mode,

uppercase mode and num lock mode.

Note: i) During the uppercase mode, multi-tapping the buttons

will only scroll through the uppercase letters.

(Example : A->B->C->2)

ii) During the num lock mode, pressing the keypad will

only enter the numeric digits. Subsequent presses of

the same button will insert the same digit to the text

message (no multi-tap).

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 101

ARS User Login and Text Messaging Features

4 Addressing a message

Press the button

below ADDR to address your

outgoing message.

The Address input screen

appears.

Press theor button to scroll through the address list.

Use direct address entry via multi-tap.

Note: The address will not be case sensitive in server mode

and case sensitive in non-server mode.

5 Append a Priority Flag or Request Reply

Before sending your message, you can set a priority flag or a

request reply to your message.

Press the button below IMPT to toggle on/off a “Priority”

flag for an outgoing message. A “Priority” flag is displayed at the

top of the screen when it is toggled on. See “TMS Status

Symbols” on page 95.

Note: When you receive a message on the XTL 2500 mobile

radio that is flagged with the “Request Reply” icon, you

must manually respond to the sender that you have

received the message. The system will not automatically

send back a notification that the radio received such

message.

ADDR:|

IMPT RQRP BACK

ADDR:|

IMPT RQRP BACK

102

ARS User Login and Text Messaging Features

Send a Predefined Message

The Quick Text Messages are messages that are predefined and

usually consist of messages that are used most frequently.

Note: The “Priority” flag on a message does not imply that the

message will get higher priority over the other messages

when it is being transmitted. It is just an indication that

can be embedded into a message to let the receiver

know that the message is important.

Press the button below RQRP to toggle on/off a “Request

Reply” icon for an outgoing message. A “Request Reply” status

icon is also displayed at the top of the screen when it is toggled

on. See “TMS Status Symbols” on page 95.

6When an address has been appended to the outgoing message,

press the PTT button to send your message.

Press the button below SAVE to save your message for

sending at a later time.

The message will be saved in the Draft folder. See “To Access

the Draft Folder” on page 106 for further details.

1Press the button below LIST to use the predefined

message.

Press the preprogrammed Quick Text button.

Note: Any programmable button on the keypad microphone can

be programmed to access the Quick Text Messages

feature. See “Programmable Buttons” on page 9.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 103

ARS User Login and Text Messaging Features

Edit a Quick Text Message

The first predefined message appears.

Press theor button to scroll through the messages.

Rotate the Mode knob.

2When a message has been selected from the list, press the PTT

button to send the message.

1Press the button below EDIT to edit a quick text

message.

The Editing Screen appears. A blinking cursor appears at the

end of the predefined text.

2Edit your message using the keypad.

3Press the button below SAVE to save the edited changes.

The message is saved in the Draft folder.

4Press the PTT button to send the edited message.

I will be late

ADDR EDIT

QT 001/002

BACK

I will be late|

ADDR SAVE

QT 001/002

BACK

104

ARS User Login and Text Messaging Features

Reply to a Received Message

1Press the button below RPLY to reply to a message.

The Compose Message Screen appears.

LIST or NEW option appears

on the display.

2Press the button below NEW to type a new message.

Press the button below LIST to use the predefined

message / quick text message. See “Send a Predefined

Message” on page 102 for further details.

LIST OR NEW

NEW LIST BACK

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 105

ARS User Login and Text Messaging Features

Delete a Message

1From the Inbox, Draft or Sent screen, scroll to select a message

for deletion.

2After selecting a message,

press the button

below DEL. The display

shows 2 delete options.

Press the button

below CURR to delete only

the current message.

Press the button

below ALL to delete all

messages.

3When you select to delete all

messages, a confirmation

screen appears.

Press the button

below YES to delete all

messages.

FROM:User826

Hello

CURR ALL BACK

INBOX 01/01

DEL ALL?

YES NO BACK

INBOX 01/01

106

ARS User Login and Text Messaging Features

To Access the Draft Folder

The Draft folder stores the messages that were saved previously. The

Draft folder can hold up to 10 messages. The oldest message in the

folder will be deleted when the 11th message comes in.

1Press the button below DRFT. The Draft screen appears.

The first draft in the list is displayed.

2Press theor button to scroll through the list of drafts.

Rotate the Mode knob.

Have a nice day

EDIT DEL BACK

DRAFT 01/01

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 107

ARS User Login and Text Messaging Features

To Access the Sent Folder

The Sent folder stores the messages that were sent out previously.

The Sent folder can hold up to 10 messages The oldest Sent

message in the folder will be deleted when the 11th message comes

in.

1Press the button below SENT. The Sent screen appears.

The first sent message in the list is displayed. A message

delivery icon will be displayed at the top right corner of the

screen. See “TMS Status Symbols” on page 95 for details on

Message success delivery icon and Message delivery failure

icon.

2Press theor button to scroll through the list of messages that

have been sent.

Rotate the Mode knob.

TO:User826

ADDR DEL BACK

SENT 01/02

108

ARS User Login and Text Messaging Features

Notes

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 109

Secure Operation

Features Available on Secure XTL 2500

This chapter covers features available on XTL 2500 Digital Mobile

Radios with secure encryption. The following topics are covered:

• Receiving a Private Message (page 110)

• Transmitting a Private Message (page 110)

• System Considerations (page 111)

• Loss Indication (page 111)

• Selecting an Encryption Key (Conventional Only) (page 112)

• Selecting an Encryption Index (Conventional Only) (page 114)

Note: Keyloading is not available from the control head in a remote

mount configuration; however, it is available from the front of

the transceiver.

Digital and Secure modes does not apply to 900 MHz band

radios.

110

Secure Operation

Receiving a Private Message

Transmitting a Private Message

1Select a mode by rotating the Mode knob.

2Using the Volume Knob, adjust the volume to a comfortable

listening level.

In conventional modes and, if enabled, in trunking modes, the

BUSY light blinks and the radio unmutes when the radio is

receiving a private message.

Note: The secure on/off state does not affect received messages.

The radio automatically receives coded or clear messages.

1Press the SEC softkey to turn on the coded mode.

Some radio modes may have secure automatically set on or off

if the mode-strapped Secure feature is enabled.

The display shows the current key if multi-key has been

enabled.

Note: If the coded mode is selected, the D is on. If the standard

(clear) mode is selected, the D indicator is off.

2Monitor the mode to be sure it is not in use.

3Press and hold the SEC softkey to transmit.

The XMIT indicator lights, and the display shows the current key

selected when transmitting in the coded mode, if multikey and

Display on PTT are enabled.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 111

Secure Operation

System Considerations

•Trunked Systems only: If you press the PTT button when no

secure-voice channel is available, the display shows NO SECURE,

and a continuous talk-prohibit tone sounds until you release the

PTT button.

•Analog trunking systems: You are not allowed to change from

a secure transmission to a clear transmission during a secure

trunked call. If you attempt to change from a secure to a clear

transmission during a call, the radio generates a talk-prohibit tone,

and the display will show SEC ONLY or SECURE ONLY.

•Digital trunking systems: You are allowed to change from a

secure transmission to a clear transmission during a secure

trunked call.

Loss Indication

When you press the PTT button while in the coded mode and without

the encryption module containing a valid key, the speaker generates

bursts of alert tones, and the display shows KEY FAIL until you

release the PTT button.

When the radio is first turned on, six medium-pitched tones sound

and the display momentarily shows KEY FAIL to indicate that the

encryption module does not contain a valid key for the current mode.

If the periodic keyfail tone feature is enabled, six medium-pitched

tones are generated every five to ten seconds while the radio is not

transmitting or receiving to remind you that the radio does not have a

valid key for the current mode. The keyfail reminder will not sound

when the radio is in clear mode.

112

Secure Operation

Selecting an Encryption Key (Conventional

Only)

The Select Key feature allows you to manually select any one of the

16 encryption keys.

If the current mode is programmed with key selection being strapped

to force the current mode to use a predetermined key, the Select Key

menu will not appear as a Secure menu item.

1Press and hold down the SEC softkey until a tone sounds, which

indicates entry into the Advanced Secure menu.

2Use the navigation keys to locate the KEY SEL option.

3Press the SEL softkey to enter the Key Selection menu.

The display changes to show the last user-selected key.

4Do one of the following:

• Use the navigation keys to review the encryption keys,

• Use direct keypad entry to access the encryption keys.

5Choose one of the following:

• To save a key, press the SEL softkey.

The radio returns to the home display.

• To select the default encryption keys on a radio-wide basis,

press the SEL softkey while the radio displays PRESET.

Selecting preset causes the radio to return to its

preprogrammed keys on a per-zone/-mode basis.

Note: When you scroll to an erased key, the display alternates

between the key name and ERASED.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 113

Secure Operation

6To abort this menu, press the HOME button or the PTT button.

Pressing HOME exits the key-select menu without saving the

selected key choice.

Pressing the PTT button exits the menu without saving the

selected key choice and allows the radio to transmit.

When you abort the key-select menu, the radio uses the key

that was selected prior to entry into the menu.

114

Secure Operation

Selecting an Encryption Index (Conventional

Only)

The Select an Index feature allows you to select one or more groups

of several encryption keys from among the available keys stored in

the radio. For example, you could have a group of three keys

structured to one index, and another group of three different keys

structured to another index. By changing indices, you would

automatically switch from one set of keys to the other.

If the mobile does not support indexing, the index menu will not

appear as a Secure menu item.

1Press and hold down the SEC softkey until a tone sounds,

which indicates entry into the Advanced Secure menu.

2Use the navigation keys to locate the INDX SEL option.

3Press the SEL softkey to enter the Index Selection menu.

The display changes to show the last index that was selected

and stored after the Index Selection menu was entered.

4Use the navigation keys to locate the desired key index.

5Choose one of the following:

• To save an index key, press the SEL softkey. The radio will

save the index and return to normal operation,

• To abort from the Index Selection menu, press the HOME

button or the PTT button. (Pressing the PTT button allows

the radio to transmit.)

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 115

Troubleshooting

The following are suggestions to assist you in troubleshooting

possible operating problems.

If your radio is locked up or the display shows FAIL 01/90, turn the

radio off and then back on. If this does not correct the condition, take

the radio to a qualified radio technician for service.

If radio operation is intermittent, check with other persons using the

system for similar problems before taking the radio in for service.

Similar problems indicate a system malfunction rather than a radio

failure.

If symptoms persist or, if your unit exhibits other problems, contact a

qualified radio technician.

The cables that connect to the rear of

the radio could have live voltage on

some of their pins. Do not remove or

reconnect these cables. Only a

qualified radio technician should

perform this task. Service performed

by unauthorized personnel may cause

the radio to transmit an emergency

alarm even if the unit is turned off.

CAUTION

116

Troubleshooting

Notes

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 117

Accessories

Motorola provides the following approved accessories to improve the

productivity of your XTL 2500 mobile two-way radio.

For a list of Motorola-approved antennas, batteries, and other

accessories, visit the following web site:

http://www.motorola.com/cgiss/index.shtml

Antennas

Part No. Description

HAD4006_ VHF, 136–144 MHz, quarterwave whip,

roof mount

HAD4007_ VHF, 144–150.8 MHz, quarterwave,

roof mount

HAD4008_ VHF, 150.8–162 MHz, quarterwave,

roof mount

HAD4009_ VHF, 162–174 MHz, quarterwave, roof

mount

HAD4014_R VHF, 140–174 MHz, halfwave, roof

mount

HAD4016_ VHF, 136–162 MHz, quarterwave,

wideband, roof mount

HAD4017_ VHF, 146–174 MHz, quarterwave,

wideband, roof mount

RAD4000_ VHF, 136–174 MHz, halfwave, roof

mount

RAD4002_RB VHF, 136–144 MHz, quarterwave

RAD4003_RB VHF, 144–150.8 MHz, quarterwave

RAD4004_RB VHF, 150.8–162 MHz, quarterwave

RAD4005_RB VHF, 162–174 MHz, quarterwave

RAD4010_RB VHF, 136–174 MHz, halfwave, roof

mount

118

Accessories

HAE4003_ UHF, 450–470 MHz, quarterwave whip

HAE4004_ UHF, 470–512 MHz, quarterwave

HAE4011_ UHF, 450–470 MHz, 3.5 db, roof mount

HAE4012_ UHF, 470–495 MHz, 3.0 db, roof mount

HAE4013_ UHF, 494–512 MHz, 3.0 db, roof mount

HAE6010_ UHF, 380–433 MHz, 3.5 db gain

HAE6011_ UHF, 380–433 MHz, 5.0 db gain

HAE6012_ UHF, 380–433 MHz, quarterwave whip

HAE6013_ UHF, 380–470 MHz, 2.0 db gain,

wideband

HAE6015_ UHF, 450–512 MHz, broadband

HAE6016_ UHF, 490–512 MHz, quarterwave whip,

motorcycle

RAE4014_RB UHF, 450–470 MHz, 5.0 db

RAE4015_RL UHF, 470–494 MHz, 5.0 db gain

RAE4016_RB UHF, 494–512 MHz, 5.0 db gain

RAE4024_RB UHF, 450–482 MHz, quarterwave whip,

motorcycle

HAF4002 800–870 MHz, quarterwave, roof

mount

HAF4013_ 764–870 MHz, quarterwave, roof

mount

HAF4014_ 764–870 MHz, quarterwave, roof

mount

HAF4016_ 764–870 MHz, quarterwave, roof

mount

RRA4935_ 900 MHz (890-960 MHz) 3dBi Low

Roof Top 14’ cable length

RAF4003_RM 900 MHz (890-960 MHz) 3 dBi Low

Roof Top 22’ cable length

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 119

Accessories

Bull Horns for Siren and Public Address

Cables

Part No. Description

TDN6251_ Round with chrome finish

TDN6252_ Rectangular with chrome finish

TDN6253_ Underhood with gray finish

TDN6254_ Round with gray finish

Part No. Description

HKN4191_ Power, high-power, dash-mount

HKN4192_ Power, 20-ft., remote-mount

HKN4356_ 17-ft. (W4/5/7/9)

HKN6160_ Data, 6-ft., dash-mount (kit)

HKN6161_ Data, 20-ft., dash-mount (kit)

HKN6163_ USB

HLN4952_ Fuse kit for green/orange leads

HKN6164A Remote Mount Cable (CAN) - 40M (131

FT)

HKN6165A Remote Mount Cable (CAN) - 35M (115

FT)

HKN6166A Remote Mount Cable (CAN) - 23M (75 FT)

HKN6167A Remote Mount Cable (CAN) - 15M (50 FT)

HKN6168A Remote Mount Cable (CAN) - 10M (30 FT)

HKN6169A Remote Mount Cable (CAN) - 5M (17 FT)

HKN6170A Remote Mount Cable (CAN) - 3M (10 FT)

HKN6182A Cable/Adapter, Keyloader

120

Accessories

Microphones

Miscellaneous

HKN6184A Cable, CH Programming (RS-USB)

HKN6183A Cable, CH Programming (RS-232)

HKN6184 Flash/Programming cable (USB)

HKN6183 Flash/Programming cable (RS232)

YLN1148_ Armored, for handset/hangup mic

HMN4082A Armored, for handset/hangup mic

Part No. Description

HMN1079_ Motorcycle Palm D-Sub 9 connector

HMN4081A Motorcycle Palm GCAI connector

HMN4079_ Keypad Mic

HMN6185A_ Standard palm

RLN6080A_ GCAI Handset Model III

Part No. Description

HLN5113_ Emergency footswitch

HLN6188_ Emergency pushbutton

HLN6372_ Key lock mount

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 121

Accessories

Remote Mounting Kits

Speakers

Trunnion Kits

Part No. Description

HLN6921A Remote-to-dash

HLN6922A Dash-to-remote

Part No. Description

HSN4031_ 7.5 W external

HSN4032_ 13 W external

HSN4038_ 7.5 W remote weather-resistant

HSN4039_ 13 W remote weather-resistant

HSN6003_ Motorcycle, weather-resistant

Part No. Description

HLN6909_ Quick-release, high-power

HLN6910_ Standard high-power

HKN6186A Trunnion, CH Remote Mount

HLN6861 HDWR Millenium St. Install - Mid Power

122

Appendix: Maritime Radio Use in the

VHF Frequency Range

Special Channel Assignments

Emergency Channel

If you are in imminent and grave danger at sea and require

emergency assistance, use VHF Channel 16 to send a distress call

to nearby vessels and the United States Coast Guard. Transmit the

following information, in this order:

1“MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY.”

2“THIS IS _____________________, CALL SIGN __________.”

State the name of the vessel in distress 3 times, followed by the

call sign or other identification of the vessel, stated 3 times.

3Repeat “MAYDAY” and the name of the vessel.

4“WE ARE LOCATED AT _______________________.”

State the position of the vessel in distress, using any information

that will help responders to locate you, e.g.:

• latitude and longitude

• bearing (state whether you are using true or magnetic north)

• distance to a well-known landmark

• vessel course, speed or destination

5State the nature of the distress.

6Specify what kind of assistance you need.

7State the number of persons on board and the number needing

medical attention, if any.

8Mention any other information that would be helpful to

responders, such as type of vessel, vessel length and/or

tonnage, hull color, etc.

9“OVER.”

10 Wait for a response.

11 If you do not receive an immediate response, remain by the radio

and repeat the transmission at intervals until you receive a

response. Be prepared to follow any instructions given to you.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 123

Appendix: Maritime Radio Use in the VHF Frequency Range

Non-Commercial Call Channel

For non-commercial transmissions, such as fishing reports,

rendezvous arrangements, repair scheduling, or berthing

information, use VHF Channel 9.

Operating Frequency Requirements

A radio designated for shipboard use must comply with Federal

Communications Commission Rule Part 80 as follows:

• on ships subject to Part II of Title III of the Communications Act,

the radio must be capable of operating on the 156.800 MHz

frequency

• on ships subject to the Safety Convention, the radio must be

capable of operating:

• in the simplex mode on the ship station transmitting

frequencies specified in the 156.025–157.425 MHz frequency

band, and

• in the semiduplex mode on the two frequency channels

specified in the table below.

Note: Simplex channels 3, 21, 23, 61, 64, 81, 82, and 83 cannot be

lawfully used by the general public in US waters.

Additional information about operating requirements in the Maritime

Services can be obtained from the full text of FCC Rule Part 80 and

from the US Coast Guard.

Table A-1: VHF Marine Channel List

Channel

Number

Frequency (MHz)

Transmit Receive

1 156.050 160.650

2 156.100 160.700

* 156.150 160.750

4 156.200 160.800

5 156.250 160.850

6 156.300 –

7 156.350 160.950

124

Appendix: Maritime Radio Use in the VHF Frequency Range

8 156.400 –

9 156.450 156.450

10 156.500 156.500

11 156.550 156.550

12 156.600 156.600

13** 156.650 156.650

14 156.700 156.700

15** 156.750 156.750

16 156.800 156.800

17** 156.850 156.850

18 156.900 161.500

19 156.950 161.550

20 157.000 161.600

* 157.050 161.650

22 157.100 161.700

* 157.150 161.750

24 157.200 161.800

25 157.250 161.850

26 157.300 161.900

27 157.350 161.950

28 157.400 162.000

60 156.025 160.625

* 156.075 160.675

62 156.125 160.725

63 156.175 160.775

* 156.225 160.825

65 156.275 160.875

66 156.325 160.925

Table A-1: VHF Marine Channel List (Continued)

Channel

Number

Frequency (MHz)

Transmit Receive

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 125

Appendix: Maritime Radio Use in the VHF Frequency Range

* Simplex channels 3, 21, 23, 61, 64, 81, 82, and 83 cannot be

lawfully used by the general public in US waters.

** Low power (1 W) only

*** Guard band

Note: A – in the Receive column indicates that the channel is transmit

only.

67** 156.375 156.375

68 156.425 156.425

69 156.475 156.475

71 156.575 156.575

72 156.625 –

73 156.675 156.675

74 156.725 156.725

75 *** ***

76 *** ***

77** 156.875 –

78 156.925 161.525

79 156.975 161.575

80 157.025 161.625

* 157.075 161.675

* 157.125 161.725

* 157.175 161.775

84 157.225 161.825

85 157.275 161.875

86 157.325 161.925

87 157.375 161.975

88 157.425 162.025

Table A-1: VHF Marine Channel List (Continued)

Channel

Number

Frequency (MHz)

Transmit Receive

126

Appendix: Maritime Radio Use in the VHF Frequency Range

Notes

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 127

Glossary

ACK Acknowledgment of communication.

ARS Automatic Registration Service

Channel A group of characteristics, such as transmit/

receive frequency pairs, radio parameters, and

encryption encoding.

Coded Squelch Tone Private-Line™ or Digital Private-Line.

Used on conventional channels to make sure

you hear only the communication meant for

you.

Control Channel In a trunking system, one of the channels that

is used to provide a continuous, two-way/data

communications path between the central

controller and all radios on the system.

Conventional Typically refers to radio-to-radio

communications, sometimes through a

repeater. You share a frequency, or

frequencies, with other users without the aid of

a central controller to assign communication

channels. Therefore, you should monitor each

channel before transmitting to avoid interfering

with another user who may be transmitting.

Cursor A visual tracking marker (a blinking line) that

indicates a location on the display.

Digital Private-

Line (DPL) Coded

Squelch

A continuous, sub-audible data signal,

transmitted with the carrier.

Dispatcher An individual who has radio system

management duties.

128

Glossary

Failsoft A back-up system allowing you to

communicate in a non-trunked, conventional

mode should the trunked system fail.

FCC Federal Communications Commission.

Hang Up Disconnect.

Home Display The first display information after the radio

completes its self test.

LCD Liquid-Crystal Display.

Mode A programmed combination of operating

parameters; for example, a channel or

talkgroup.

Mode-Slaving Radio programmed to automatically give the

proper operation for a given mode you have

selected.

Monitoring

(Conventional

Operation)

Press a programmed monitor button to listen to

another user active on the channel. This way,

you may be prevented from talking over

someone else’s conversation.

Page A one-way alert, with audio and/or display

messages.

PIN Personal Identification Number.

Push-To-Talk

(PTT) button

The PTT button engages the transmitter and

puts the radio in transmit (send) operation

when pressed. Press this button to transmit;

release it to receive.

Repeater A conventional radio feature, in which you talk

through a receive/transmit facility (repeater)

that re-transmits received signals in order to

improve communications range and coverage.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 129

Glossary

RF Radio Frequency. A part of the general

frequency spectrum between the audio and

infrared light regions (about 10 kHz to

10,000,000 MHz).

RSSI Received Signal Strength Indicator.

Squelch The muting of audio circuits when received

signal levels fall below a pre-determined

threshold. With carrier squelch, you hear all

channel activity which exceeds the radio’s

preset squelch level.

Standby An operating condition whereby the radio’s

speaker is muted but still continues to receive

data.

Talkgroup An organization (or group) of radio users who

communicate with each other, using the same

communication path.

TMS Text Messaging Service.

Tone Private-Line

(PL) Coded

Squelch

A continuous sub-audible tone transmitted with

the carrier.

Trunking The automatic sharing of communications

paths between a large number of users (see

Conventional). Allows radio users to share a

smaller number of frequencies because a

repeater, or communications path, is assigned

to a talkgroup for the length of a conversation.

Zone A grouping of channels or talkgroups.

130

Glossary

Notes

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 131

Commercial Warranty and Service

Limited Warranty

MOTOROLA COMMUNICATION PRODUCTS

I. WHAT THIS WARRANTY COVERS AND FOR HOW LONG:

MOTOROLA INC. (“MOTOROLA”) warrants the MOTOROLA

manufactured Communication Products listed below (“Product”)

against defects in material and workmanship under normal use and

service for a period of time from the date of purchase as scheduled

below:

Motorola, at its option, will at no charge either repair the Product (with

new or reconditioned parts), replace it (with a new or reconditioned

Product), or refund the purchase price of the Product during the

warranty period provided it is returned in accordance with the terms of

this warranty. Replaced parts or boards are warranted for the balance

of the original applicable warranty period. All replaced parts of

Product shall become the property of MOTOROLA.

This express limited warranty is extended by MOTOROLA to the

original end user purchaser only and is not assignable or transferable

to any other party. This is the complete warranty for the Product

manufactured by MOTOROLA. MOTOROLA assumes no obligations

or liability for additions or modifications to this warranty unless made

in writing and signed by an officer of MOTOROLA. Unless made in a

separate agreement between MOTOROLA and the original end user

purchaser, MOTOROLA does not warrant the installation,

maintenance or service of the Product.

MOTOROLA cannot be responsible in any way for any ancillary

equipment not furnished by MOTOROLA which is attached to or used

in connection with the Product, or for operation of the Product with

any ancillary equipment, and all such equipment is expressly

excluded from this warranty. Because each system which may use

the Product is unique, MOTOROLA disclaims liability for range,

coverage, or operation of the system as a whole under this warranty.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Portable Units One (1) Year

Product Accessories One (1) Year

132

Commercial Warranty and Service

II. GENERAL PROVISIONS:

This warranty sets forth the full extent of MOTOROLA'S

responsibilities regarding the Product. Repair, replacement or refund

of the purchase price, at MOTOROLA’s option, is the exclusive

remedy. THIS WARRANTY IS GIVEN IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER

EXPRESS WARRANTIES. IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING

WITHOUT LIMITATION, IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF

MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR

PURPOSE, ARE LIMITED TO THE DURATION OF THIS LIMITED

WARRANTY. IN NO EVENT SHALL MOTOROLA BE LIABLE FOR

DAMAGES IN EXCESS OF THE PURCHASE PRICE OF THE

PRODUCT, FOR ANY LOSS OF USE, LOSS OF TIME,

INCONVENIENCE, COMMERCIAL LOSS, LOST PROFITS OR

SAVINGS OR OTHER INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL OR

CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR

INABILITY TO USE SUCH PRODUCT, TO THE FULL EXTENT

SUCH MAY BE DISCLAIMED BY LAW.

III. STATE LAW RIGHTS:

SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION

OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR

LIMITATION ON HOW LONG AN IMPLIED WARRANTY LASTS, SO

THE ABOVE LIMITATION OR EXCLUSIONS MAY NOT APPLY.

This warranty gives specific legal rights, and there may be other

rights which may vary from state to state.

IV. HOW TO GET WARRANTY SERVICE:

You must provide proof of purchase (bearing the date of purchase

and Product item serial number) in order to receive warranty service

and, also, deliver or send the Product item, transportation and

insurance prepaid, to an authorized warranty service location.

Warranty service will be provided by Motorola through one of its

authorized warranty service locations. If you first contact the company

which sold you the Product, it can facilitate your obtaining warranty

service. You can also call Motorola at 1-888-567-7347 US/Canada.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 133

Commercial Warranty and Service

V. WHAT THIS WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER:

A) Defects or damage resulting from use of the Product in other

than its normal and customary manner.

B) Defects or damage from misuse, accident, water, or neglect.

C) Defects or damage from improper testing, operation,

maintenance, installation, alteration, modification, or

adjustment.

D) Breakage or damage to antennas unless caused directly by

defects in material workmanship.

E) A Product subjected to unauthorized Product modifications,

disassemblies or repairs (including, without limitation, the

addition to the Product of non-Motorola supplied equipment)

which adversely affect performance of the Product or

interfere with Motorola's normal warranty inspection and

testing of the Product to verify any warranty claim.

F) Product which has had the serial number removed or made

illegible.

G) Rechargeable batteries if:

• any of the seals on the battery enclosure of cells are

broken or show evidence of tampering.

• the damage or defect is caused by charging or using the

battery in equipment or service other than the Product for

which it is specified.

H) Freight costs to the repair depot.

I) A Product which, due to illegal or unauthorized alteration of

the software/firmware in the Product, does not function in

accordance with MOTOROLA’s published specifications or

the FCC type acceptance labeling in effect for the Product at

the time the Product was initially distributed from

MOTOROLA.

134

Commercial Warranty and Service

J) Scratches or other cosmetic damage to Product surfaces that

does not affect the operation of the Product.

K) Normal and customary wear and tear.

VI. PATENT AND SOFTWARE PROVISIONS:

MOTOROLA will defend, at its own expense, any suit brought against

the end user purchaser to the extent that it is based on a claim that

the Product or parts infringe a United States patent, and MOTOROLA

will pay those costs and damages finally awarded against the end

user purchaser in any such suit which are attributable to any such

claim, but such defense and payments are conditioned on the

following:

A) that MOTOROLA will be notified promptly in writing by such

purchaser of any notice of such claim;

B) that MOTOROLA will have sole control of the defense of such

suit and all negotiations for its settlement or compromise; and

C) should the Product or parts become, or in MOTOROLA’s

opinion be likely to become, the subject of a claim of

infringement of a United States patent, that such purchaser

will permit MOTOROLA, at its option and expense, either to

procure for such purchaser the right to continue using the

Product or parts or to replace or modify the same so that it

becomes non-infringing or to grant such purchaser a credit

for the Product or parts as depreciated and accept its return.

The depreciation will be an equal amount per year over the

lifetime of the Product or parts as established by

MOTOROLA.

MOTOROLA will have no liability with respect to any claim of patent

infringement which is based upon the combination of the Product or

parts furnished hereunder with software, apparatus or devices not

furnished by MOTOROLA, nor will MOTOROLA have any liability for

the use of ancillary equipment or software not furnished by

MOTOROLA which is attached to or used in connection with the

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 135

Commercial Warranty and Service

Product. The foregoing states the entire liability of MOTOROLA with

respect to infringement of patents by the Product or any parts thereof.

Laws in the United States and other countries preserve for

MOTOROLA certain exclusive rights for copyrighted MOTOROLA

software such as the exclusive rights to reproduce in copies and

distribute copies of such Motorola software. MOTOROLA software

may be used in only the Product in which the software was originally

embodied and such software in such Product may not be replaced,

copied, distributed, modified in any way, or used to produce any

derivative thereof. No other use including, without limitation,

alteration, modification, reproduction, distribution, or reverse

engineering of such MOTOROLA software or exercise of rights in

such MOTOROLA software is permitted. No license is granted by

implication, estoppel or otherwise under MOTOROLA patent rights or

copyrights.

VII. GOVERNING LAW:

This Warranty is governed by the laws of the State of Illinois, USA.

Service

Proper repair and maintenance procedures will assure efficient

operation and long life for this product. A Motorola maintenance

agreement will provide expert service to keep this and all other

communication equipment in perfect operating condition. A

nationwide service organization is provided by Motorola to support

maintenance services. Through its maintenance and installation

program, Motorola makes available the finest service to those

desiring reliable, continuous communications on a contract basis. For

a contract service agreement, please contact your nearest Motorola

service or sales representative, or an authorized Motorola dealer.

Express Service Plus (ESP) is an optional extended service coverage

plan, which provides for the repair of this product for a period of three

years from the date of shipment from the factory, or the date of

delivery if purchased from an authorized Motorola two-way radio

dealer. For more information about ESP, contact the Motorola Radio

Support Center, 2204 Galvin Drive, Elgin, IL 60123, 1-800-227-6772.

136

Commercial Warranty and Service

Notes

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 137

Index

Symbols

800 MHz frequencies ....................2

access

draft folder .............................106

inbox ........................................97

sent folder .............................107

TMS feature

use the menu .......................92

use the preprogrammed TMS

button ...................................93

use the TMS feature button .92

user login .................................85

add scan list channel ..................42

adjust

display brightness .....................6

squelch level ...........................29

volume .......................................6

alarms

activate non-permanent ..........44

activate permanent ..................45

change selected ......................45

horn and lights .........................44

initiate

emergency ...........................32

emergency call and alarm ....33

silent emergency .................34

non-permanent horn

and lights activation ..............44

non-rearmable external ...........46

optional external ......................44

permanent horn and lights

activation ................................45

rearmable external ..................46

receiving call when on .............46

alert tones ...................................10

analog

mode .........................................3

trunking system considerations ...

111

answer

Enhanced Private Conversation

call ................................... 64, 72

phone call ............................... 48

ASTRO mode ............................... 3

automatic scanning .................... 35

autoscan ..................................... 35

basic operation ........................... 21

box, hang up (HUB) .................... 44

button

programmable buttons .............. 9

PTT ......................................... 39

call

answer phone ......................... 48

conventional talkgroup ............ 61

emergency .............................. 31

Enhanced Private

Conversation .................. 65, 73

initiate

emergency .......................... 32

Enhanced Private

Conversation ................ 65, 73

from phone list ..................... 49

phone number not in list ......... 50

receiving when alarms

turned on .............................. 46

Call Alert page

description .............................. 55

placing .................................... 56

selecting unit to call ................ 55

sending ................................... 55

calls, status ................................. 58

change

ARS mode .............................. 83

mode ....................................... 22

mode in current zone .............. 23

mode not in current zone ........ 24

mode priorities ........................ 41

selected alarms ....................... 45

zone ........................................ 22

control head

138

Index

operation ...................................5

status display .............................8

conventional

mode .......................................26

scan list ...................................35

selecting talkgroup ...................62

talkaround ................................63

talkgroup calls ..........................61

conventional mode, monitoring

activity ........................................28

current zone

change mode ...........................23

select mode .............................23

delete

delete a message ..................105

nuisance mode ........................40

scan list channel ......................43

digital trunking system

considerations ........................111

direct-entry keyboard,

send status ...............................60

display, brightness adjustment ......6

dynamic regrouping

receiving an ID assignment .....76

requesting ................................77

edit

quick text message,predefined

message ..............................103

edit name in list ...........................52

embedded signaling ......................2

emergencies, special

considerations ..........................34

emergency call

initiating ...................................32

trunking ....................................31

emergency call and alarm

description ...............................31

initiating ...................................33

encryption key

index selection ......................114

selecting ................................112

Enhanced Private Conversation

answer a call .....................64, 72

description ...............................72

initiate call .........................65, 73

select unit to call ................65, 73

entering keypad characters ........ 54

external alarms ...........................44

activate non-permanent horn

and lights ..............................44

activate permanent horn

and lights ..............................45

non-rearmable .........................46

rearmable ................................46

failsoft .........................................75

frequency ranges

800 MHz ....................................2

glossary ....................................127

hang time ....................................36

hang up box (HUB) .....................44

Home

mode, selecting .......................26

horn and lights alarms ................44

HUB (hang up box) .....................44

identification, radio ........................4

inbox

delete message .....................105

view message .........................97

indicator

N PRI (non-priority) .................36

PRI (priority) ............................36

scan ........................................36

initiate

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 139

Index

emergency alarm .....................32

emergency call and alarm .......33

Enhanced Private Conversation

call ..................................65, 73

phone call from list ..................49

silent emergency alarm ...........34

trunked announcement ...........81

interconnect, unlimited telephone 50

introduction to radios ....................1

key, encryption

index selection ......................114

selecting ................................112

keypad

character selection sequence ..54

entering characters .................54

list

edit name ................................52

phone, place call .....................49

scan .........................................35

store phone number ................51

telephone interconnect ............48

lock on a site, SmartZone ...........79

loss indication, secure operation 111

TMS menu options ..................94

mode

analog .......................................3

ARS Non server mode ......13, 83

ARS server mode ..............13, 83

ASTRO ......................................3

changing ..................................23

changing outside current zone 24

priorities, changing ..................41

selecting ..................................23

selecting Home .......................26

selecting outside current zone .24

selection .................................. 22

slaving ....................................... 8

transmitting (conventional) ...... 26

transmitting (trunked) .............. 27

trunked ...................................... 8

monitoring

conventional mode activity ...... 28

N PRI (non-priority) indicator ...... 36

non-priority scanning .................. 35

non-rearmable external alarms ... 46

non-ruthless preemption ............. 81

non-talkback scan ...................... 39

nuisance mode

deleting ................................... 40

restoring .................................. 40

operation

basic ....................................... 21

control head .............................. 5

scan ........................................ 35

secure ................................... 109

SmartZone site-button ............ 78

trunking ................................... 71

operator-selectable scan ............ 35

out-of-range indication ................ 80

phone numbers, preprogrammed 48

PIN ............................................. 88

place phone call from list ............ 49

placing Call Alert page ................ 56

power level selection .................. 27

powering on radio ......................... 5

predefined

message,quick text message 102

username .......................... 17, 91

preemption

non-ruthless ............................ 81

ruthless ................................... 81

140

Index

preprogrammed phone numbers .48

PRI (priority) indicator .................36

priority

priority flag .............................101

priority message ......................95

priority scanning ..........................35

private data .................................90

private message

receive ...................................110

transmit ..................................110

programming scan list .................42

PTT button ..................................39

PTT-ID (Push-to-Talk

identification) ............................47

Push-to-Talk

identification (PTT-ID) ...............47

radio identification .........................4

rearmable external alarms ..........46

receive

call with alarms turned on ........46

private message ....................110

text message ...........................97

reply a message ..........................98

request receipt ..........................102

requesting a dynamic regrouping 77

restore

mode priorities .........................41

nuisance mode ........................40

ruthless preemption .....................81

scan

autoscan ..................................35

indicator ...................................36

non-priority ...............................35

non-talkback ............................39

operation .................................35

operator-selectable ..................35

priority ......................................35

talkback ...................................39

transmit while on ......................39

turning on ................................36

scan list

add a channel .........................42

conventional ............................35

delete a channel ......................43

modes .....................................35

programming ...........................42

restore mode priorities ............ 41

talkgroup scan .........................35

trunked priority ........................35

viewing ....................................38

secure operation .......................109

select

a channel

method 2: use the menu 14, 84

Call Alert page unit ..................55

clear transmissions ...........17, 86

conventional talkgroup ............62

encryption key .......................112

encryption key index .............114

Home mode .............................26

mode .......................................22

mode in current zone ..............23

mode not in current zone ........24

power level ..............................27

volume level ..............................6

zone ........................................22

selected-disabled units ...............77

selected-enabled units ................77

send

Call Alert page .........................55

new text message ...................98

predefined message,quick text

message ..............................102

status call ................................58

service ......................................135

site trunking

SmartZone ..............................79

site-button operation, SmartZone 78

slaved programming .....................8

slaving, mode ................................8

smart PTT ...................................61

SmartZone

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 141

Index

description ...............................78

lock on a site ...........................79

site trunking .............................79

site-button operation ...............78

squelch, adjusting level ...............29

status

TMS status symbols ................95

status calls

description ...............................58

sending ....................................58

status display, control head ..........8

store phone number in list ...........51

talk direct (mobile-to-mobile) .......63

talkback scan ..............................39

talkgroup scan list .......................35

telephone interconnect list ..........48

text messaging ............................92

time-out timer ..............................47

tones, alert ..................................10

transmit

conventional modes ................26

private message ....................110

trunked modes ........................27

with scan on ............................39

transmitting ...........................26, 27

troubleshooting .........................115

trunked

announcement

capability ..............................81

initiate ..................................81

Call Alert page .........................55

mode ...................................8, 27

priority scan list ........................35

system considerations ...........111

trunking

answer phone call ...................48

emergency call ........................31

Enhanced Private

Conversation .........................72

failsoft ......................................75

initiating emergency call ..........32

operation ................................. 71

status calls .............................. 58

telephone interconnect list ...... 48

unlimited telephone

interconnect .......................... 50

turn on

radio .......................................... 5

scan ........................................ 36

UHF frequencies ........................... 2

units

select-disabled ........................ 77

select-enabled ........................ 77

troubleshooting ..................... 115

unlimited telephone

interconnect ............................. 50

user

access

use preprogrammed user button

....................................... 16, 85

use the menu item ......... 16, 85

log out ..................................... 90

username

direct entry,multi-tap ............... 86

predefined username .............. 87

VHF frequency ............................. 2

maritime radio use ................ 122

view a message .......................... 97

viewing scan list .......................... 38

volume, adjusting ......................... 6

warranty .................................... 131

writing text .................................. 99

zone selection ............................ 22

142

Index

Notes

ASTRO® XTL™ 2500 Digital

Mobile Radio with M5

Control Head

M5 Quick Reference Card

Product Safety and RF Exposure Compliance

ATTENTION!

This radio is restricted to occupational use only to satisfy

FCC RF energy exposure requirements. Before using this

product, read the RF energy awareness information and

operating instructions in the Product Safety and RF

Exposure booklet enclosed with your radio (Motorola

Publication part number 6881095C99) to ensure

compliance with RF energy exposure limits.

BASIC OPERATION

Turning the Radio On and Off

Setting the Volume and Squelch

Changing Modes

Transmitting

Transmitting (Conventional Modes)

Activating Scan

Programming a Scan List

Selecting Scan Mode Priority

Before using this product, read the operating instructions

for safe usage contained in the Product Safety and RF

Exposure booklet enclosed with your radio.

a u t i o

INDICATORS

HOME

MODE

KNOB

VOLUME

KNOB

DIM

BUTTON

SOFT MENU

KEYS

NAVIGATION

KEYS

POWER

ON/OFF

EMERGENCY

Emer

XTL 2500

Press the Pwr button once.

1Turn the Vol knob clockwise to increase volume or

counterclockwise to decrease volume as desired.

2On conventional modes with Private-Line or Digital

Private-Line, press MON softkey to defeat the coded

squelch.

3Press MON softkey again to return to coded-squelch

operation.

4To adjust squelch level, hold MON softkey until a tone

sounds.

5Rotate the Mode knob clockwise to increase squelch

level or counterclockwise to decrease squelch level.

6Press Home button to save the squelch level.

Rotate the Mode knob to select the desired mode.

Press Home button to access the preprogrammed

Home mode.

1Press and hold the microphone PTT button.

2When the transmit light comes on solid and no alert

tones sound (or a talk-permit tone or ID sidetone

sounds), speak into the microphone in a normal voice.

3State your FCC call sign at the beginning of each

transmission.

1Press Dir (Direct) softkey. The Dir indicator lights.

2Press Dir softkey again to return to repeater

operation.

1Press Scan softkey to start a scan. If no activity

exists, the display shows your selected mode. When

a scanned channel or talkgroup becomes active, the

display shows the active mode name. The PRI and

NPRI indicators show priority.

2Press Scan softkey again to stop scanning.

1Press Prog softkey followed by Scan softkey until the

scan list is being displayed and the scan indicator

blinks.

2Use the navigation keys to select the mode you want

to program.

3Press the Sel softkey as indicated in the table below

to add or remove the displayed mode from the scan

list.

4Repeat the previous steps to continue editing the list.

5Press Home button to exit.

Press Sel Mode Indicator

One time Non-Priority NPRI lit

Two times Second Priority PRI lit

Three times First Priority PRI blinks

Four times Delete from List No indicator

1Press the Sel softkey as indicated in the table above

to designate up to two modes as priorities.

2Press Home or Scan to end scan list selection.

Sending an Emergency Alarm or Call

Sending a Status Transmission

Sending a Direct-Entry Enhanced Private

Conversation Call

Initiating a Call Alert Page

Answering a Call Alert Page

Selecting a Zone/Mode (Optional)

Selecting a Home Zone/Home Mode

Press the emergency actuator (Emer button,

footswitch, hidden pushbutton) to begin an

emergency transmission.

For conventional modes, a silent or non-silent

emergency alarm data transmission is sent.

For trunked modes, emergency call (priority access

to a voice channel), silent or non-silent emergency

alarm, or emergency alarm and call are entered.

Depending on your radio's programming, one of the

emergency sequences described in the table below

occur.

Alarm Type Indications/Actions

Non-Silent A tone sounds and the display

alternates between EMERGENCY and the

zone/channel. When acknowledged,

four more tones sound and the display

shows ACK RECEIVED, then the radio

returns to normal operation.

Silent The audio is muted and no display

changes take place during the alarm.

Press the PTT button, or press and

hold the emergency button to stop the

emergency condition and unmute the

radio.

Call (Trunked

Modes only)

A tone sounds and the display

alternates between EMERGENCY and the

zone/channel.

Press the PTT button and talk.

After completing the call, press and

hold the emergency actuator until a

tone sounds to return to normal

operation.

Alarm and Call After ACK RECEIVED (see Non-Silent

Alarm above) is displayed, the radio

has priority voice-channel access.

Press the PTT button and talk.

After completing the call, press and

hold the emergency actuator until a

tone sounds to return to normal

operation.

1Press Sts softkey. The display shows the last

acknowledged status or first status name.

2Use the navigation keys to select other statuses.

3Press the PTT button to send the transmission. The

display flashes the selected status/message name

until the dispatcher acknowledges, at which time alert

tones sound and the display shows ACK RECEIVED.

The radio then returns to normal operation.

1Press the PTT button. A single tone sounds and the

display changes to PLEASE WAIT, followed by

telephone-type ringing if the receiving unit is in

service.

2If the receiving unit answers, press the PTT button to

identify yourself and proceed with your call.

If the called unit does not respond, press Sel or the

PTT button again to leave a Call Alert page message

and your ID.

A single tone followed by four tones sounds if the

called unit acknowledges the page.

Alarm Type Indications/Actions

1Press the Page softkey.

2Follow the instructions for initiating a Private

Conversation to select a unit ID.

3Press Sel or the PTT button to send a Call Alert page

to the displayed ID,

To send a Call Alert page following an Enhanced

Private Conversation attempt, follow the instructions

for sending a direct-entry Enhanced Private

Conversation call.

Four tones sound and PAGE RCV flashes on the

display. The tone and display repeat every five

seconds.

1Press the PTT button,

Initiate an Enhanced Private Conversation call to the

caller.

1Press the Zone softkey and then the arrow

keyorto scroll to the desired zone.

2Rotate the Mode knob to select the mode.

Press the Home button.

Selecting Secure Mode

Selecting an Encryption Key

Selecting a Key Index

Erasing an Encryption Key

DISPLAY AND LIGHT INDICATORS

Press and release the SEC softkey. The D indicator

lights up.

1Press and hold the SEC softkey until a tone sounds.

2Use the navigation keys to scroll to KEY SEL.

3Press Sel to enter the Key Selection Menu.

4Use the navigation keys to select desired key.

5Press Sel to select key.

6Press Home or the PTT button to quit.

1Press and hold the SEC softkey until a tone sounds..

2Use the navigation keys to scroll to INDX SEL.

3Press Sel to enter the Index Selection Menu.

4Use the navigation keys to select desired index.

5Press Sel to select index.

6Press Home or the PTT button to quit.

1Press and hold the SEC softkey until a tone sounds.

2Use the navigation keys to scroll to ERASE KY.

3Press Sel to enter the Key Erase Menu.

4Use the navigation keys to select desired index.

5Press Sel to select index.

6Press Home or the PTT button to quit.

Display/Light Meaning

BUSY light on Displayed conventional mode has

activity on it, or selected trunked

system is currently busy. Wait for

callback.

XMIT light on Indicates you are transmitting.

Dir indicator lit Radio is in direct (mobile-to-

mobile) operation.

PRI, NPRI

indicators lit

Display shows a mode in the scan

list with the indicated priority level.

P displayed Telephone dialing pause. Press

Sel softkey to continue the dialing.

NO ACKNOWLEDGE

displayed

Unit being called with the

Enhanced Private Conversation or

Call Alert Page feature is not in

service, or emergency alarm or

status/message transmission is

not acknowledged by dispatcher.

PHONE BUSY

displayed

Trunked phone interconnect is

busy.

NO ANSWER

displayed

Unit being called with Enhanced

Private Conversation or Call Alert

Page does not respond, but is

operational.

EMERGENCY

displayed

Radio is in emergency alarm or call

state.

NO EMERGENCY

displayed

A mode incapable of emergency

transmission has been selected.

OUT OF RANGE

displayed

Radio is out of range of the

trunking system.

Examples: Not exiting phone mode after a call (radio

cannot receive fleet or subfleet calls), transmitting in

receive-only conventional mode, trying to select a dynamic

mode when no dynamic ID assignment has been made.

ALERT TONES

Type of Tone Name Explanation

1 Low-Pitched

Tone

Invalid Key Alert Feature button

pressed is not valid

in selected mode, or

a Call Alert or

emergency alarm

was not

acknowledged.

1 High-Pitched

Tone

Central

Acknowledge or

Valid Key

Central controller

has received

request for Call Alert

or emergency alarm

transmission.

You pressed a valid

key.

4 High-Pitched

Tones

Dispatcher or

Mobile Unit

Acknowledge

Dispatcher is

acknowledging your

emergency

transmission.

Mobile unit has

received your Call

Alert.

5 High-Pitched

Tones

The above two

acknowledge tones,

heard in tandem.

2 High-Pitched

Tones

Private

Conversation

You have an

incoming call. Press

Call, then the PTT

button, then talk.

4 High-Pitched

Tones every 6

seconds

Call Alert Page Call Alert page has

been received.

Phone-Type

Busy Tone

(when pressing

the PTT button)

System Busy All system radio

channels in use.

Release the PTT

button, and wait for

callback.

A series of low-

pitched tones

followed by a

series of high-

pitched tones.

Scan Alert On Indicates that Scan

feature is activated

through the pre-

programmed button

or 3-Position Rotary

Switch.

A series of high-

pitched tones

followed by a

series of low-

pitched tones.

Scan Alert Off Indicates that Scan

feature is

deactivated through

the pre-

programmed button

or 3-Position Rotary

Switch.

Unique chirping

sound

Dynamic

Reprogramming

Indicates that a

dynamic ID is

assigned.

Unique, low-

pitched chirping

sound

New Message Indicates the arrival

of a new mesage.

Unique, high-

pitched chirping

sound

Priority

Message

Indicates the arrival

of a priority

message.

2 Short High-

Tones (after

requesting a

busy channel)

upon pressing

the PTT button)

Automatic Call

Back or Talk

Permit

Channel is available

for previously

requested

transmission.

System is accepting

your transmission.

ALERT TONES (Continued)

Type of Tone Name Explanation

Low-Pitched

Tone (upon

pressing the

PTT button

during Transmit)

(Operation

Error)

Talk Prohibit/

Out-of-Range or

Time-Out Timer

or Illegal Mode

Out of trunked radio

system range or

system is out of

service.

Present

transmission will

soon be disabled.

You have entered a

mode where normal

system traffic will be

missed, or you

attempted

something that is

not allowed. (See

examples below.)

High-Pitched

Tone every 10

seconds in

unmuted receive

condition

Failsoft System central

controller failure.

The radio reverts

from trunked

operation to

operation similar to

a conventional

repeater.

Others may share

the channel.

ALERT TONES (Continued)

Type of Tone Name Explanation

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